Portugal pledges support for Moldova's EU integration
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has pledged his country's support for Moldova's integration into the European Union, during a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu.
"We talked about the future, about Moldova, about the Moldovan people," Rebelo de Sousa said. "We understand how important it is for you to join the European Union, not just for political or geopolitical reasons, but also for the well-being of your people, for economic and social development, which are prerequisites for freedom and democracy. Portugal supports this dream of yours and is aware that the European Union, probably in the coming months, will make a vital decision, regarding the start of the accession procedure to the community bloc. And you accept that, during these negotiations, candidates will be analysed one by one, according to merit, and the achievements obtained in terms of political, economic, social, and cultural."
Rebelo de Sousa also stated that over 30,000 Moldovans live in Portugal, and therefore it is necessary to deepen bilateral relations in terms of infrastructure, business, social institutions, and education.
Sandu is on a state visit to Portugal at the invitation of Rebelo de Sousa.
Afterward, Sandu will travel to Granada, Spain, where she will participate in the European Political Community summit on October 5. During the summit, which precedes the European Council meeting on October 6, also in Granada, Sandu will discuss with her counterparts and the leaders of EU institutions the challenges facing the European continent, Moldova's accession to the EU, and the ongoing reforms.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
