Romania's ambassador to Chisinau on Giurgiulesti Port: 'It is more than just a transit point'

 Romania's Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Cristian-Leon Turcanu, visited the Giurgiulesti International Free Port on Thursday, describing it as a strategic asset for the Republic of Moldova and the wider region.'In a regional context marked by major challenges, the Giurgiulesti Port is more than just a transit point,' Cristian-Leon Turcanu said in a Facebook post, stressing that the infrastructure helps maintain safe trade routes, strengthen the Republic of Moldova's economic resilience and diversify transport links.The ambassador also highlighted the importance of the port becoming increasingly closely connected to Romania and to European transport networks, which, in his view, means better access to the European market, logistical alternatives and an economy more firmly anchored in the European Union.'From this perspective, the Giurgiulesti Port is also an important component of the Republic of Moldova's European integration,' the ambassador wrote.According to him, the development of the port could generate tangible benefits for the economy and citizens, helping make the Republic of Moldova better connected, more resilient and more competitive.The visit to Giurgiulesti was part of a broader programme by the Romanian ambassador in southern Moldova, focusing on dialogue with local communities, education and development projects.In Comrat, Cristian-Leon Turcanu met with the city's mayor, with talks focusing on the community's priorities and prospects for the development of the Gagauz autonomous region. In Ceadîr-Lunga and Vulcanesti, the diplomat took part in education-related activities, including book donations in Romanian to Kindergarten No. 8 'Andries' and 'Mihai Eminescu' High School.'From education and local dialogue to strategic infrastructure, all these areas have a common denominator: the development of communities, bringing the two banks of the Prut closer together and the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European Union through projects, opportunities and tangible results,' the ambassador said.The Giurgiulesti International Free Port is the Republic of Moldova's main gateway to international maritime and river transport, according to MOLDPRES. Its location on the Lower Danube allows both river and sea-going vessels to operate there, while the port infrastructure provides connections to road and rail transport.MOLDPRES also reported that in March 2026, the Government of the Republic of Moldova decided to strengthen the status of the Giurgiulesti International Free Port as strategic infrastructure, with the aim of expanding its logistics capacity, attracting investment and integrating it more closely into European transport corridors.