Moldova receives unconditional support from Czech Republic in EU integration
Moldova has the unconditional support of the Czech Republic in its path to European integration, Czech President Petr Pavel said during a state visit by Moldovan President Maia Sandu to Prague.
Sandu was welcomed with military honours at Prague Castle, a historic monument that is also the residence of the Czech president. Pavel said that by inviting Sandu to Prague, the Czech Republic recognizes Moldova's stability and its westward orientation, especially in a rather serious situation when one of the neighbouring countries is experiencing Russia's aggressive war, and Moldova is in a very difficult situation because it is a target of the Russian Federation.
Pavel also expressed his belief that Moldova will become a full member of the EU by 2030. The President of the Czech Republic assured that his country will share all of its experiences in the process of European integration, so that Moldova does not encounter the same difficulties that the Czech Republic faced.
“Moldova has been a priority country for us since 2005. In the last ten years, dozens of projects have been implemented, from humanitarian aid to the development of various sectors of the economy, in the field of energy security, to be no longer dependent on Russia, industry, agriculture, but also defence - modernization of the borders and defence forces of the Republic of Moldova,” Pavel said at a press conference after the bilateral meeting.
For her part, Sandu said that Moldova and the Czech Republic have a solid partnership that the two heads of state want to develop. According to Sandu, during the discussion with the Czech president, special attention was paid to economic cooperation, which is on the rise.
“Bilateral trade between our countries is growing. Our exports to the Czech Republic are growing. I am very glad that our wines, which we are proud of, are also appreciated here. Among the EU countries, you are the third largest market for Moldovan wines,” Sandu said.
Sandu also thanked President Pavel for the support received from the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU, after Moldova obtained the status of candidate country.
“The Czech Republic has supported us in difficult times. You have provided assistance when we faced the humanitarian crisis at the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. You have also provided funds that have allowed us to protect the vulnerable from high energy prices,” Sandu said.
The president also mentioned other areas of support provided by the Czech Republic, such as the construction of water supply systems and the equipping of hospitals, support for farmers.
The two presidents also discussed the situation in Ukraine and the impact that the brutal war unleashed by Russia is having on the entire European continent. Maia Sandu and Petr Pavel stated that the support of the free world for Ukraine must continue, and Russia must be held accountable for the crimes committed.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
