Over 150 representatives of Diaspora gathered in Chisinau

Chisinau, 17 August /MOLDPRES/- Over 150 representatives of the diaspora, coming from 22 countries, gathered today in Chisinau at a Diaspora Congress.

Attending the event, Minister of Education, Culture and Research Monica Babuc thanked our fellow citizens for their contribution to the country and sacrifices.  "The government aims to create a close connection between our compatriots and Moldovans who have remained in the country and continue to build a democratic and European state here. Authorities have found that young people are the ones who leave the country most often, and for this, the government has implemented the First Home Program and other important programs dedicated to them. There are also many programs for the citizens of the diaspora and I urge you to come and open new businesses in the Republic of Moldova. We have never lost hope of returning home with a luggage of experience to build a prosperous, democratic and European country,” Babuc said.

“We know you've decided to go abroad looking for a better life. Your experience is very necessary for Moldova. I wish you courage, health and never forget about the place that connects us all - Republic of Moldova," State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Mihai Căpăţână said.

Representatives of the Diaspora came up with messages for citizens of the country and those who left the country. “We do not have to ask what the country did for us, but what we did for the country. We have repeatedly demonstrated that through concrete actions we could do more together. We work for the people of Moldova, not for parties. With our experience we can contribute to our country's development. We must not blame each other, but work together, see what the problems are and look for solutions. I hope that today's event will be productively used,” Victoria Dunford, located in the UK, said.

The citizens of the diaspora presented several requests to the Chisinau authorities, including: opening new consulates, providing more information about the legal conditions of living in foreign countries so that our fellow citizens know their rights, as well as opening up more polling stations abroad, a request made in the context of the coming of the parliamentary elections.

In this context, attending the event, Alina Russu, head of the Central Election Commission, presented the peculiarities of the new electoral system and urged diaspora citizens "to be active and to register beforehand to polls."

The Diaspora Congress is at its eighth edition. Traditionally, it is held annually in August. During the event, there will be eight thematic workshops and a string of discussions on partnerships between national authorities and diaspora citizens. At the end of the event, a resolution will be approved, which will be a landmark for the citizens from abroad and the Moldovan authorities.

(Reporter A. Ciobanu, editor A. Răileanu)