Head of state says Moldova must not look for enemies, but for friends, both in East and in West

Chisinau, 11 February /MOLDPRES/ - President Igor Dodon today participated in an enlarged meeting of the College of the Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry (MAEIE), at an invitation by Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Aureliu Ciocoi, along with Prime Minister Ion Chicu, the presidential press service has reported.    

The head of state welcomed Moldova’s ambassadors accredited abroad and the MAEIE’s team. Igor Dodon addressed those present with a speech, within which he pointed out three basic elements.

The first one regards the promotion of a balanced foreign policy, which sees implementation of Moldova’s international commitments, especially the Association Agreement with the European Union and the strategic relations with Russia. At the same time, Igor Dodon reiterated the importance to continue the strategic partnership with Romania, United States, Turkey and other countries. The Moldovan president stressed that Moldova must not look for enemies, but for friends, both in the East and in the West.    

The second item refers to the work of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, which is to be carried out based on criteria of professionalism, with a strict discipline and without involvement in political or party games, just it has earlier happened. At the same time, the head of state stressed that the leadership relied on a technocrat approach and a productive cooperation with other institutions of the state.     

Touching upon the ambassadors’ work, Igor Dodon stressed the need for the diplomats to be aware of the fact that they are not appointed to office to rest, but to work for the development of the state and deepening the relations with the country’s foreign partners, being remunerated with tax payers’ money.  

The Moldovan president noted that the efficiency of each ambassador would be assessed depending on the attraction of investors from the destination country to Moldova and promotion of the country’s image. Dodon said that, if the ambassador fails to recorded palpable results in a period of 6-12 months, he/she might be recalled.