Declaration by Moldovan, Romanian foreign ministers on fifth anniversary of Strategic Partnership's establishment

Chisinau, 27 April /MOLDPRES/- The Moldovan and Romanian foreign ministers gave a joint press declaration on the fifth anniversary of establishment of the Strategic Partnership for Moldova's European integration.

"Today, 27 April 2015, we mark the fifth anniversary of the signing in Bucharest, by Romanian and Moldovan presidents, of a joint declaration on setting up a Strategic Partnership between Romania and Moldova for Moldova's European Integration, - a document that sets the medium-term framework and development priorities of the privileged relationship between the two states.

At the time of its signing, the Joint Declaration represented the most eloquent expression of the democratic transformations in Moldova, which gave a new, dynamic and fresh breath to the bilateral relation, rebuilt, at that time, around the common ideal of full and final reintegration of Moldova into the European family. The document met, to the same extent, expectations of citizens from both banks of Prut river, on return of the political dialogue to the normal, within framework of the essential benchmarks defining the common cultural and civilisational heritage.

The first stage results of the bilateral Strategic Partnership is extremely fruitful. In this short period, Moldova has negotiated, signed and started already enforcing the Association Agreement with the European Union - a document laying the foundations of a deep, political and economic integration into the EU area. Increased funds become available for modernising economy, investments in infrastructure and public services, preserving traditions and patrimony, a better life for each citizen. Moldovan farmers from now on can sell fruits and vegetables on the EU market on a period when their access to some of the traditional markets is blocked by politically reasoned decisions. The new standards and economic regulations due to be applied in Moldova will help attract investments, create jobs, strengthen prosperity of the entire society. Moldovans travel without visas to the European area for one year already - a still unequaled success among the EU's eastern partners. The inauguration of the Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline on 27 August 2014 is an eloquent proof of bilateral cooperation dynamism, a step towards tight connection of Moldova to the European space, for the benefit of the citizens from both banks of Prut river.

All these results are due to the joint commitment on behalf of Chisinau and Bucharest, tireless work of experts from both states and support of Moldovan citizens.

These common energies were catalysed and turned to good account by the spirit of partnership that guided Romania's cooperation with Moldova in the past five years. On the one hand, political and technical support  of Romania has proved decisive in many key moments for advancing Moldova's European integration. On the other hand, Chisinau's resolute action in pursuing its European goals has offered to Romania strong and convincing arguments for backing Moldova's European ideal.

The achievements got on the European path placed Moldova in the leading position of the Eastern Partnership.

This positive result represents a natural reason of joy, but especially an urge to incessant action, renewed efforts, for strengthening the road leading to confirming European expectations of Moldovans. This road includes deepening democratic reforms, guaranteeing fundamental freedoms, consolidating the rule of law state, building independent and functional justice, modernizing state institutions in the spirit of respect towards citizen, edifying a competitive, fair and transparent economic environment which should reward the work and innovation.

At the fifth anniversary of the Strategic Partnership, we reaffirm our full commitment to meeting these joint goals, to promoting Moldova’s European integration and getting a clear-cut perspective of joining EU.

Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and European Integration Minister Natalia Gherman

Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu.

27 aprilie 2015.”

(Editor M. Jantovan)