Head of state outlined foreign policy priorities for 2025 with Moldovan ambassadors

Chisinau, Dec 21 /MOLDPRES/- President Maia Sandu has set the foreign policy priorities for next year at a videoconference with Moldovan ambassadors, emphasizing the importance of promoting the interests of citizens and supporting the country's economic development, the presidential press service has reported.

Foreign policy must directly meet the needs of people, whether they live in the country or abroad.

"Accession to the European Union is the top foreign policy priority, reconfirmed by the citizens in the constitutional referendum. Progress in the accession negotiations is essential for the future of the Republic of Moldova", said the head of state.

The President also emphasized that "on this road, it is important to deliver immediate results for the people and the business environment, such as the permanent abolition of quotas for agricultural exports to the European Union, accession to the Single Euro Payments Area and reducing roaming charges".

The priorities also include speeding up the disbursement of European funds from the €1.8 billion investment plan offered by the European Union. Moldova Growth Plan will contribute to the development of the economy through investments in infrastructure and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and job creation.

The head of state asked the ambassadors to get actively involved in promoting economic diplomacy: to help attract strategic investments in production sectors, modern agriculture, green energy and information technologies and to negotiate new free trade agreements that will expand access for Moldovan products to foreign markets.

In relations with the diaspora, Maia Sandu called for the acceleration of negotiations for the signing of bilateral agreements on the recognition of driving licenses with Romania, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the finalization of social protection agreements with France, Canada, Israel and Switzerland. At the same time, the expansion of the consular network, with the opening of an embassy in Astana and two consulates in the United States in Chicago and Sacramento, will make consular services more accessible to Moldovans abroad.

In the security and resilience, priorities include strengthening cooperation with European and international partners to increase Moldova's capacity to defend and manage hybrid challenges, including in the energy field. At the same time, Moldova's participation in peacekeeping missions and support to other states in emergency situations reflects our country's commitment to regional stability and security.

The President appreciated the external support, which allowed the implementation of important projects under the European Village Program, the extension of the National Afforestation Program, the support of small and medium-sized enterprises and the compensation of energy costs for consumers in previous winters.

The Head of State welcomed the concrete results of foreign policy that have directly benefited Moldovan citizens: the opening of 20 new air routes, the recognition of driving licenses with Spain, Israel, France and Greece, the signing of agreements on social security with Italy, Spain and Latvia, as well as the increase in agricultural exports to the EU by lifting quotas for seven products.

Maia Sandu also emphasized the role of diplomats in the smooth conduct of the elections and the constitutional referendum in the fall of 2024, thus giving citizens living abroad the opportunity to cast their vote and make their contribution to strengthening democracy and the country's European path.