Italy and the Republic of Moldova signed a joint statement in support of our country's accession to the EU
Italy and the Republic of Moldova signed a joint statement in support of our country's accession to the European Union. The document was signed by the Deputy Prime Minister, Cristina Gherasimov, and the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic, Edmondo Cirielli, in the context of the official visit to Chisinau by the leader from Rome, Sergio Matarella. President Maia Sandu declared that this visit sends a firm message of support for our country. For his part, President Sergio Matarella assured that Italy will support the European integration course of the Republic of Moldova.
At the same time, the president said that the statement signed in Chisinau between the two states represents firm support from Italy, which cooperates in multiple fields, and in this context, the head of state also referred to cooperation in the energy sector.
"Our relations are deeply rooted in history. We are proud to say that we come from Rîm, referring to the Latinity of our people. I am glad to mention that in these years Italy and Moldova have developed close relations for the benefit of the citizens. We are united by the cultural proximity between our countries and our citizens who share the same European value system. Attachment to parents and family, joyous holidays with many nations are close to us too. In Italy we have a large community of citizens who work and develop businesses in your country...() The Republic of Moldova is firmly committed to the path of EU accession. We appreciate Italy's support for our country's European journey. The joint statement signed today in support of the European integration of the Republic of Moldova represents a new and strong support. The firm and unequivocal support of Italy confirms to us that our country has friends who encourage us to resist the challenges. I urge citizens at home and in the diaspora to participate in the referendum on EU integration...() I express gratitude for Italy's ongoing support and reaffirm our commitment to work together for a prosperous future for both countries," said Maia Sandu.
For his part, the Italian president stated that the Moldovan community in Italy demonstrates an important bridge between both states. Sergio Mattarella declared that Italy will continue to stand by our country in the European journey, because the values, history and culture are linked to those of the EU.
"Italy will stand by the Republic of Moldova in this process to guarantee EU integration. On the one hand, the EU enlargement policy, which is a historical need to complete the European community, is an ambitious project that must be achieved by helping countries to reach European standards," said Mattarella.
We remind that another document was signed by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, Sergiu Prodan, and the Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Edmondo Cirielli. It is about the "Executive Program for Cultural Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of the Italian Republic for 2024 - 2027".
The Republic of Moldova and the Italian Republic cooperate on multiple levels. In the period 2022-2023, with the support of Italy, several refugee reception centers were set up and 21 vehicles were procured for the border police. In terms of economic cooperation, Italy is the sixth commercial partner of the Republic of Moldova, with over 1200 companies with Italian capital present in our country. Similarly, Italy's generous contribution offered within the Support Platform for Moldova in 2022 and 2023 compensated part of the energy bills paid by our citizens in the cold season. Moldova and Italy also cooperate on the dimension of international security, especially in peacekeeping missions under the UN auspices.
We remind you that Sergio Mattarella is on an official two-day visit to the Republic of Moldova. This is the first official visit of an Italian president to our country. Italy is the sixth trade partner of the Republic of Moldova and the country that hosts the largest community of Moldovans in the diaspora.
