Ukrainian, Moldovan officials visit northern city

Chisinau, 20 November /MOLDPRES/- "Dear friends, I am very happy to be here in this beautiful country - Moldova. I feel like at home!" Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko made the statement in Romanian at the Vasile Alecsandri National Theatre from the northern Balti city. The official attended the event together with Prime Minister Iurie Leanca, teh government's communication and media relations department has reported.

In his speech, Poroshenko said: "Ukraine and Ukrainian people was, is and will remain a reliable partner of the Moldovan people. I am sure that together will manage to face all obstacles in our path in the future. I believe in free, democratic and prosperous future for all of us in the large European family".

Iurie Leanca said the Ukrainian president represented hope for most Ukrainians -  to live in a democratic, free, European, fair and decent country. "Ukraine has a development project and therefore, there is a purpose in the future. It is about European integration project. This project on European modernisation is our goal too. I am very happy that during the last year, a close dialogue was set in the relations between the two countries. Like this, the neighbors should behave", the premier noted.

Subsequently, Poroshenko broached the situation in the region and European integration. He told the diaspora that Ukraine marked the Day of Freedom and Dignity in November.

The two officials' visit to Balti started with laying flowers at the monument to Taras Shevchenko. 

The Ukrainians represent the largest ethnic minority group in Moldova. Over 280,000 Ukrainians live in Moldova, according to the census.