Moldova, Ukraine on same path - EU integration - deputy speaker says

Chisinau, April 29 /MOLDPRES/ - Our countries have the same aspirations: to be part of a free, democratic and prosperous world. We have the same path - European integration and certainly as long as Ukraine is safe, Moldova will be safe too. Deputy Speaker Doina Gherman made the statements at a joint conference with Ukrainian Deputy Speaker Olena Kondratiuk.

Moldova has been in solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainian people since the first day of the war. "We have condemned the Russian invasion and offered constant diplomatic, humanitarian and political support. We continue to offer practical support to the 117,000 Ukrainian refugees in the Republic of Moldova. Immediately after this conference, we will go to meet with women from the Ukrainian community, women who have managed to open small businesses here in Moldova. A year ago we launched the temporary protection mechanism, and on 1 March this year, this mechanism was extended and we are ensuring access to fundamental rights for Ukrainian refugees. In March, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova adopted a declaration on the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which condemns the brutality of the war, an illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression," the official said.

She added that in recent years Moldova has also become an important country for transit of goods. In 2023, more than 1.6 million tons of goods, mostly grain, transited Moldova to the European Union.

"I note that despite the war, Moldova and Ukraine are strengthening their transport infrastructure. It is essential to mention the international support, in particular the recent support approved by the United States House of Representatives - crucial support for Ukraine, but also for regional security, including the Republic of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova and Ukraine have very good bilateral relations and there is a dynamic political dialogue. As our countries share the same aspirations to be part of a free, democratic, prosperous world. We have the same path - European integration," Gherman added.

Olena Kondratiuk thanked Chisinau for support and spoke about European integration and the possibility of working together in the economic field.

The Ukrainian official is scheduled to meet in Chisinau with Speaker Igor Grosu, Health Minister Ala Nemerenco, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Research.