Nicu Popescu: Relations between Moldova and Romania, closest and most active in last 30 years

Relations between Moldova and Romania arecloser, fuller of substance, active and with joint projects than ever in the last 30 years, said Moldova's deputy premier Nicu Popescu, following the meeting with foreign minister Luminita Odobescu in Bucharest.He said that the two countries has built joint projects to ensure a durable future in the European family.   Nicu Popescu pointed out that, together with Romania, Moldova had made significant progress on the path to EU accession, succeeding the beginning of accession negotiations to EU.   “This success is the result of our unity in diplomatic activity and in the joint efforts to reform Moldova,” said the Moldovan foreign minister. He pointed out the cooperation with the Romanian Diplomatic Institute for training public officers from Moldova in view of the complex EU accession process.   Nicu Popescu also mentioned the very close cooperation between the two states in international forums and organizations.“Today we are joining this firm condemnation of the brutal war launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and, obviously, tonight's attacks. Together with Ukraine we launched this thrilateral, this trilateral cooperation between Romania, Moldova and Ukraine, which regularly gathers foreign ministers and other government colleagues. We had meetings devoted to energy topics in Bucharest and a trilateral meeting focussed on security and defense matters,” said the head of Moldova's diplomacy.   He also pointed out that his country had acted together with Romania for the recognition of Romanian language in Ukraine and the protection of the Romanians' rights everywhere. That was a major achievement of diplomats of the two countries. “We succeeded together and next to Romania to consolidate Moldova's dialogue with NATO, an institution which ensures peace, security and democracy in the greatest part of the European continent. Moldova has substantially intensified cooperation with NATO and benefitted from significant contributions of assistance from NATO, from partner states, through the initiative to consolidate defence and security capacities. Romania is one of the most important contributors in this respect,” Moldova's foreign minister added.   He also mentioned the collaboration between the two countries in evacuating their own citizens from Gaza strip.   The Moldovan official also referred to the joint on-going projects to improve infrastructure, which will help connect Moldova to Romania and the European area.   “In future, together with Romania, we will announce new initiatives to deepen the relation between Moldova and Romania and the European Union in the field of security. We continue to be united in these joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace and stability in Moldova, to connect and anchor Moldova firmly in the European area , we will continue to work on bringing Moldova in the European Union and for that we are counting on and are sure of Romania's full support,” Nicu Popescu concluded.