Presidency of the Republic of Moldova
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Dear Chancellor Olaf Scholz, welcome to the Republic of Moldova!
I am glad to greet you in Chisinau. This is the first bilateral visit of a German chancellor to our country in the last 12 years, and is an opportunity to reaffirm the importance we attach to our relationship with the Federal Republic of Germany and to strengthen this cooperation.
In these 12 years, the world we live in has changed profoundly. The Republic of Moldova has also changed.
Despite all the challenges of the recent years, Moldova has demonstrated that it is a country that rejects authoritarian tendencies and defends its democracy, a country that wants to offer its citizens more opportunities for development and a satisfied and peaceful life, at home.
In these difficult times, we appreciate Germany's consistent support for Ukraine. By supporting Ukraine, you are also supporting Moldova.
Our country is safe today because of the heroic resistance of Ukraine. At the same time, supporting Moldova strengthens Ukraine, but also the security of the entire region.
With the essential mission of finding a shelter for the country, in March 2022, we applied to join the European Union. Two years later, we managed to officially start EU accession negotiations.
Moldova has been too late to join the European family, but now we are taking firm steps in the accession process, and having the support of our European partners, including Germany, we are confident that we will succeed.
On the occasion of this visit, I want to thank you, Mr. Chancellor, for the constant and unconditional support Germany provides the Republic of Moldova on our European path.
Now, when we have a strong external support, it depends on each of us, here in Moldova, how quickly we move forward. It is essential to be involved in the life of the community every day, but it is equally important to actively participate in the key moments, that will define the fate of the country and our people.
I call on all Moldovan citizens, regardless of their political preferences, to participate in the largest possible number in the October referendum, because it represents the most democratic and effective form of expression of our collective will.
As a founding state of the European Union, Germany has a central role in building and maintaining this project of peace, unity and prosperity that has transformed Europe.
Moldova wants to become part of this European family, and the accession process is essential for our democratic future.
Germany has always been a reliable partner for the Republic of Moldova, we appreciate this very much. The Federal Republic of Germany is the 5th most important trade partner of our country and the 7th largest investor, contributing to the creation of thousands of jobs through companies with German capital operating in our country.
Germany carries out assistance projects in a wide range of fields, such as the modernization of public services, empowering youth, or developing social services. For example, by supporting two large water supply projects in Chisinau and Cahul, Germany is helping the Republic of Moldova to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Germany also provided financial support worth 40 million euros to our Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund in the 2022-2023 heating season, a difficult period for our country. Thus, 900,000 households received subsidies for paying their electricity and heating bills.
In the same way, dual education in the Republic of Moldova is supported by Germany, which funds technical vocational training programs in Chisinau, Hâncești, Comrat, Bălți, Soroca and in other localities across our country.
Our partnership also extends to critical areas of security, where your support is crucial. With the help of Germany, Moldova is strengthening its resilience in the face of threats to our national security, and Germany is the main contributor to the European Instrument for Peace.
Germany, along with France and Romania, is the co-founder of the Moldova Support Platform, an initiative that has significantly contributed to strengthening Moldova’s ability to face the challenges of the last 3 years.
This platform, which now becomes the Partnership Platform for Moldova, will meet on September 17.
We want to further strengthen the economic relations between the Republic of Moldova and Germany. Last week, the Ministry of Energy launched a first tender for renewable energy production capacities. Moldova is open to all investors, and, in this context, we invite German companies that have a vast expertise in renewable energy field to participate in this bid.
We must also mention that we have a deep personal connection to Germany. Many Moldovan citizens found their second home in Germany, contributing to the development of both our countries. Through them, our bonds become even stronger.
Moldovans want their country to change for the better. They chose the path of development and democracy. They want to live in Moldova as they live in Germany. Despite a complicated regional context, we are building a peaceful and prosperous country and a reliable partner, here at home.
Dear Mr. Chancellor,
We count on Germany’s support in this transformation process. Your support shows us that we are on the right path and encourages us to move forward. Thank you.
