Klaus Iohannis: Romania to strongly support Moldova

Chisinau, 16 March /MOLDPRES/ - Romania will strongly support Moldova, including in the process of the peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian problem, with the observance of Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, within the internationally recognized borders. President of Romania Klaus Iohannis made statements to this effect at a joint news conference with President Maia Sandu today.   

“On 24 February, Russia started an unprovoked war against Ukraine. The military actions destabilized the entire region and the challenges caused by this war put a big pressure on Moldova. We need the support of our friends, in order to overcome them. Moldova firmly condemned the military aggression against Ukraine and called for peace starting from the first hour of the combat actions. Also beginning with the first hours, our country provided humanitarian assistance to the neighbor and friendly country, receiving people who flee the war. Almost 340,000 people crossed the border between Ukraine and Moldova since the beginning of the war; almost 100,000 refugees remain in our country in continuation. We witness a true human tragedy,’’ Maia Sandu said at the news conference.    

The head of state thanked the Romanian authorities for the assistance provided for managing the flow of refugees. ‘’The first consignment of assistance: 17 tons of food products, hygiene products, blankets, toys arrived on 4 March and was distributed to mayoralties and placement centres which host refugees from Ukraine; the second consignment, of 55 tons, arrived in Chisinau today. I would like to thank also for the decision by the Bucharest government to provide Moldova with over 155 tons of diesel, 150 tons of petrol, in order to meet the transport needs of the institutions involved in the management of the flow of refugees, as well as 5,000 tons of crude oil, in order to back Moldova’s, energy sector, affected by the war in Ukraine. Romania is again with us in difficult times,’’ Sandu noted.    

Klaus Iohannis said that Romania was with Moldova and would support it in its European integration. ‘’We know from our own experience that the way to the European integration is not easy. Any road, no matter how long it is, starts with a step. This step was made on behalf of Moldova through the signing of the application on accession. This step of Moldova was not made only by that application, but also through the commitment of the current leadership of Moldova to edify a rule of law state and a fair society. The European integration is the only way to ensure the economic and social prosperity of Moldova. The tragic situation in Ukraine must not us make forget that there is still a prolonged conflict on the territory of Moldova. I declare Romania’s support for the political settlement of the Transnistrian issue, with the observance of Moldova’s independence and integrity, without hitting the internationally recognized borders and the European path,’’ Iohannis said.    

President of Romania Klaus Iohannis and Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca are on a visit to Chisinau.