ForMin Oana Toiu: Russia Seeks to Divert Attention with Giurgiulesti Criticism

Romanian Foreign Minister OanaToiu said Russia’s criticism of Romania following its acquisition of the International Port of Giurgiulesti in the Republic of Moldova is an attempt by Moscow to divert attention away from its own domestic problems. Speaking to Digi24,Toiu said Russia’s reaction also reflects dissatisfaction with Romania’s growing regional influence and Moldova’s closer integration with the European Union.   “Romania has very clear objectives related to growing its economy and increasing our contribution to international trade,”Toiu said.   Regarding the acquisition of the Giurgiulesti port, the Romanian foreign minister noted that the deal had been publicly discussed for some time. She said the negotiations had already been underway before Romania and Moldova officially announced them, adding that the acquisition was “an old conversation” between the two countries.   “We are proud that it has been finalized,”Toiu said.The minister highlighted the strategic importance of the port for both Romania and Moldova, noting that it handles more than 60% of Moldova’s exports.“For Romania, beyond the economic objective, this acquisition also contributes to increasing our influence in the region,”Toiu added.   She also pointed to the importance of the Port of Constanta as a major logistics hub, describing it as a globally recognized strategic port that helps ensure access to food resources, including grain from Romania and neighboring countries.   Toiu said the development of transport and logistics links between Romania and Moldova is particularly important as Chisinau continues its European integration process. The Romanian foreign minister also warned about what she described as increasingly strong attempts to manipulate public perceptions through propaganda and disinformation.She argued that Russia is seeking to shift public attention beyond its borders because of growing difficulties at home. “Russia is trying to shift attention outside its borders,”Toiu said, arguing that Moscow’s domestic propaganda is becoming less effective and that Russian authorities are increasingly making decisions based on fear.   She cited the exclusion of the Yabloko party from participating in elections as an example of what she described as a sign of concern within Russia about the effectiveness of its own propaganda.   Asked whether she viewed a statement by Yuri Pilipson, a senior Russian Foreign Ministry official, as a threat,Toiu rejected that interpretation. Instead, she described the statement as an expression of Russia’s dissatisfaction with Romania’s growing regional influence and with Moldova’s increasingly close ties with Europe and the EU.   According to the Romanian minister, Moldova recently crossed an important historic threshold in its EU accession process, with formal negotiations opening on additional chapters related to membership.   Romania, she said, has contributed to Moldova’s progress, while emphasizing that the achievement is primarily the result of efforts by Moldovan citizens and public authorities.   One of the areas highlighted by Toiu is foreign policy, including the alignment of Moldova’s foreign policy with that of the European Union. She described this as an important element of Moldova’s accession process.   Toiu also linked Russia’s decision to prevent Yabloko from participating in elections to a broader warning for those who idealize Vladimir Putin’s Russia and seek to promote its political model online in Romania.   She said the developments in Russia should serve as a “warning sign” for those attempting to present the country as a model to be followed.   The Romanian government has increasingly emphasized the strategic importance of Moldova’s European integration, while infrastructure, logistics and trade connections between the two countries have become key elements of Bucharest’s regional policy.   The Giurgiulesti acquisition adds a significant economic dimension to that strategy, giving Romania a stronger position in one of Moldova’s most important trade gateways. (Photo:https://www.mae.ro/)