The Republic of Moldova enjoys support in Bucharest

Established on part of the eastern Romanian territories annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940 following an ultimatum, the Republic of Moldova continues to occupy a special place on Bucharests agenda.

Bogdan Matei, 27.06.2019, 12:39

When, on the 27th of
August 1991, after the failure of the Bolshevik coup in Moscow, Chisinau proclaimed
its independence, Romania was the first country in the world to recognise the
new state. For the following almost three decades, Romania has been the most
energetic and constant supporter, politically, diplomatically, and financially,
of Moldova’s sovereignty and independence and its aspirations for European
integration. The republic is home to almost three million Romanian language
speakers, one million of whom are also Romanian citizens. Bucharest was
therefore worried about the political deadlock seen by Chisinau this month,
where two governments were contesting each other’s legitimacy and accusing each
other of usurping power. Everybody in Romania sighed a sigh of relief when the
crisis came to a peaceful resolution.

On Wednesday, the two chambers of
Romania’s Parliament adopted a joint declaration supporting the legitimate
government of the Republic of Moldova formed after a confidence vote on the 8th
of June. With 270 yes votes, 3 no votes and 16 abstentions, the Romanian
senators and deputies called on the Romanian government to go ahead with the
implementation of the bilateral strategic partnership with the neighbouring
state. The president of the Senate’s foreign policy committee, Cristian
Dumitrescu:

We urge political parties and
forces in Chisinau, in power and in opposition, to engage in parliamentary and
political collaboration, in keeping with the basic rules of democracy. We
reiterate and reinforce Romania’s permanent support for the European
aspirations of the Republic of Moldova and expect a firm commitment from the
government to continue on the European path by implementing the far-reaching
structural reforms meant to consolidate and develop the democratic process in
Chisinau and bring the Republic of Moldova closer to the European Union.

Also on Wednesday, Romania’s
president Klaus Iohannis talked on the phone with Moldova’s prime minister Maia
Sandu and her deputy Andrei Nastase, both of them pro-Europeans, as well as
with Moldova’s pro-Russian Socialist president Igor Dodon. These talks were
held after the EU leaders meeting at a summit last week hailed, at the
initiative of the Romanian president, the peaceful transfer of power in Moldova
and agreed to consolidate EU support for the republic based on concrete
measures. Prime minister Sandu decided, in fact, to make her first foreign
visit to Romania, on 2nd July, although she said earlier she would
travel first to Brussels. Commentators note that even president Dodon has
overcome his prejudice, both political and geopolitical, and has expressed
gratitude for the support granted for the development of his country and a wish
to continue the strategic partnership with Romania, a country which is also
Moldova’s main trade partner.