Moldova stands in solidarity with United States; victims of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks commemorated in Chisinau

The victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001today were commemorated at the Embassy of the United States in Chisinau, during a ceremony dedicated to the almost 3,000 people who lost their lives, the heroes who intervened that day, and the families whose lives were changed forever. The ceremony was attended by President Maia Sandu, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popsoi, representatives of the country’s leadership and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Moldova.

Twenty-five years after the tragedy, President Maia Sandu reaffirmed the solidarity of Moldova with the United States of America and stressed that the values for which free societies fight remain just as important.

“Moldova stands with the United States, just as we did 25 years ago. And we reaffirm a simple conviction that unites our nations: terror and totalitarianism may take lives, but they cannot defeat the freely expressed will of the people,” Maia Sandu said at the commemorative ceremony.





The head of state paid tribute to those almost three thousand innocent people who had lost their lives, their families, as well as the emergency response teams and all those who confronted danger to save others. Maia Sandu emphasized that the September 11 attacks had targeted not only the United States, but also the principles on which free societies are built—human dignity, freedom and every person’s right to think, express themselves, believe and choose his/her own destiny.

“Since regaining its independence, Moldova has been building a state based on the freely expressed will of its citizens, guided by the principle that our country has chosen to be part of the community of nations that place human dignity at the foundation of society. The United States has been an important friend and partner of Moldova on this path. And we reaffirm people’s right to decide their own destiny and peoples’ right to decide their own future,” the president said.





Maia Sandu noted that, 25 years after the attacks, terrorism, extremism, and authoritarianism continued to pose threats to free societies.

“Terrorism, extremism and authoritarianism take different forms. But they all share the belief that fear and force can defeat human freedom. September 11 showed us otherwise. It showed us extraordinary courage in the face of terror. It showed us the power of solidarity. And it reminded us that free societies are strongest when they stand united,” Maia Sandu emphasized.

For its part, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Moldova expressed its solidarity with the United States and the American people.

“Today, as 25 years have passed since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) of Moldova expresses its solidarity with the United States of America and the American people, who are commemorating the approximately 3,000 innocent lives lost in the attacks. Moldova joins the United States and the international community in reaffirming our shared commitment to preventing and combating terrorism and strengthening cooperation for a safer, more peaceful and more stable world,” the MAE message reads.

The presence of Moldova's leadership at the ceremony on commemorating the terror act from New York emphasizes the shared values of the two countries, reads the message by the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau. 

''Following the September 11 events, Moldova showed solidarity with the United States. We will never forget the condolences we received on behalf of government's representatives and on behalf of Moldova's people. Our bilateral relation is based on common values, such as freedom, security and refusal to let fear dictate our life,'' said U.S. Crarge d'Affaires Nick Pietrowicz.  

The ceremony included also a solemn moment of silence, marked by traditional bell tolls and laying a wreath of flowers by the U.S.  Marine Corps. Two art works were presented - a representation of the  attack on the Pentagon and a portrait of  Arkady Zaltsman, an architect born in Chisinau, who lost his life on September 11. Generously created and donated by reserve colonel Eduard Stahi and Arina Gumaniuc Stahi, these works will remain an emotional testimony of memory and honour.   





The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, caused the deaths of 2,977 people. Nineteen members of the Al-Qaeda terrorist network hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two of the aircraft struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, one hit the Pentagon, and the fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control of the plane.