Romania is more than partner for Moldova - PM says

Chisinau, 24 August /MOLDPRES/- Romania is more than a partner for the Republic of Moldova, and the cooperation between the two states is an excellent one. Prime Minister Pavel Filip made the statement at an interview for an international radio station.

Filip said that the success Moldova has had on the European dimension is due, first of all, to Romania, "which has always been a supporter of our country on the European Union platform." He also noted that the loan of 60 million euros granted by the neighboring state during the crisis of 2015-2016 was like a lifeline.

“Cooperation with Romania is excellent from an institutional point of view, we have always had good cooperation. During the 2015-2016 crisis, Romania was the country that helped us, because until we unblocked EU funding we had to build a roadmap, we had to respect and achieve more bonds. And then, Romania helped unconditionally," he said.

The official also pointed out the investments made by the Romanian side in our country. "I would like to highlight the investments that will ensure our natural gas connection with the European network, an investment made by Transgaz in Moldova. I think that by the autumn this year, the construction of this gas pipeline will also be launched. We have also approved the project on electricity interconnection with Romania, we are talking about the Isaccea-Vulcanesti-Chisinau route, we have signed all the agreements with the EBRD and with the World Bank," he said.

The premier also referred to the relations with Russia. Russia is an important actor, and Moldova’s relations with this state must be based on mutual respect.

“"A country cannot apply principles that are only in its own interest and cannot use instruments such as blackmail, pressure, because they do not like that we have chosen the European path or because they do not like that we have signed an agreement with the EU. This is the only requirement of Moldova in relation not only to Russia but to all countries," Filip said.

(Reporter N. Sandu, editor M. Jantovan)