Klaus Iohannis reiterates Romania's support for the Republic of Moldova: Maia Sandu: "While some blackmail us, others embrace us"
The external threats to the democratic constitutional order of the Republic of Moldova are particularly worrying, declared the President of Romania Klaus Iohannis in a joint press conference held in Bucharest, together with the Head of State Maia Sandu. The leader from Cotroceni reiterated Romania's firm condemnation of any Russian destabilization attempts.
At the same time, Romania remains vigilant against Russia's hybrid actions, which, according to Klaus Iohannis, are intensifying after a year of war.
"Attempts to destabilize are supported by the intensification of pro-Russian propaganda, the aim being to feed narratives useful to Russia and diminish our unity and solidarity. But we will not give in. I assure you that the Republic of Moldova is not alone in facing these challenges. It is our permanent, clear and firm position", declared the Romanian president.
Klaus Iohannis said that Romania will support the sanctioning by the European Union of those who want to destabilize the Republic of Moldova and to undermine the constitutional order and the rule of law.
"Romania will continue to firmly support the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, within its internationally recognized borders", said Klaus Iohannis.
The President of Romania recalled that bilaterally, his country offered, after February 24, 2022, direct budgetary support, electricity - between 80% and 90% of the electricity needs of the Republic of Moldova. He also noted the importance of the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline for the commercial transport of gas to the Republic of Moldova, "an essential factor in building Chisinau's energy independence".
For her part, President Maia Sandu spoke about the advancement of bilateral relations between the two states, noting that Romania was with the Republic of Moldova "sincerely and disinterestedly" during this complicated period.
"We in the Republic of Moldova are protected by the heroism of the Ukrainians. Europe is strong because of the unity with which it defends peace and people's lives. War brings death and destruction, the whole region is heavily affected. The Republic of Moldova is going through unprecedented challenges. On the eve of winter we had to face energy blackmail from the Kremlin, during the year we had security challenges aimed at causing chaos and destabilizing our region. Some wanted our country to fall, to be able to install in Chisinau a puppet Government servile to the interests of the Kremlin", declared the president. Also, Maia Sandu emphasized that the Republic of Moldova remains standing, dignified, determined on its way to the European Union. "During this complicated period, Romania stands by us sincerely and disinterestedly. While some blackmail us, others embrace us. This support is important(...). We know where we are going and what we have to do. We are more prepared, we are strengthening our defense capacity, we have new sources of energy. We want to attract more Romanian investments in the Republic of Moldova". The leader from Chisinau also said that in 2023, the priority of the Moldovan authorities is the reconstruction of the economy, the continuation of reforms and the strengthening of state security.
We remind you that Maia Sandu is on a working visit to Romania at the invitation of her Romanian counterpart. The delegation from Chisinau also includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Nicu Popescu, and meetings with other Romanian officials are also on the agenda.
