Presidency of the Republic of Moldova
Dear President Macron, colleagues, members of the media, it is a pleasure to be back in Paris.
France, and President Macron, personally, are amongst Moldova’s closest supporters.
France has stood firmly with us on security matters since Russia’s unprovoked invasion of our neighbour Ukraine.
France has stood with us by providing support during the past two years of turmoil caused by Russia’s actions.
France has stood with us as we advance on our journey towards the membership of the European Union.
And for this, I express my profound gratitude to President Macron and the French people.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Russia’s full-scale invasion of our neighbour, Ukraine, is in its third year. But Ukraine is not giving up. Neither should Europe.
France and Germany have laid the foundations of Europe that we know today. A continent of peace, solidarity and prosperity.
And this very Europe is today under a grave assault by the regime of Vladimir Putin. Europe is being attacked in Odessa, Kherson, Kharkiv.
Today, Ukraine is THE frontline. The frontline in the battle for Europe, for everything that we hold dear, everything that we stand for as Europeans. Our shared security is on the line in Ukraine.
If the aggressor is not stopped, he will keep going, and the frontline will keep moving closer. Closer to us. Closer to you.
Europe must therefore present a united front. Aggression must be repelled by a strong force.
Yes, freedom is not free, but dealing with an emboldened aggressor will cost us even more.
Thank you, President Macron, for standing strong by Ukraine and by Moldova. Thank you for your vital effort bringing European nations together, as you did on the 26th of February, to support Ukraine and restore lasting peace on the continent.
Ukraine needs help now. Nothing is more urgent than helping Ukraine stop the aggressor.
We in Moldova know that the Kremlin's expansionist goals stretch beyond Ukraine. Russia’s aggressive actions to undermine Moldova’s democracy are proof of that.
The regime in Moscow seeks to control my country through energy blackmail, sponsoring protests, running disinformation campaigns, launching cyber attacks, interfering in our elections, pouring in dirty money and even attempting a coup.
Our meeting with President Macron comes amidst a renewed attempt by Russia and its proxies to put extra pressure on my country. But we stand tall.
Moldovans have the right to decide their own future, and this future lies in the European Union. I am grateful for President Macron’s consistent, unwavering support during France’s Presidency of the European Council in the first half of 2022, and at last December’s summit in Brussels which approved the starting of accession negotiations.
France’s solidarity is much deeper than that. President Macron has initiated the European Political Community, which has become an important platform for EU and non-EU countries to get together and discuss crucial issues facing our continent. He was also key in setting up the Moldova Support Platform, together with Germany and Romania, to channel budget and humanitarian aid to our country as we coped with the multiple crises in the wake of Russia's invasion of our neighbour.
Today, the signing of both defence and economic cooperation agreements with France also sends a powerful message that Moldova is growing stronger, with France by its side.
Our defence cooperation is deepening, and recent acquisition of a high performance air-radar is a case in point. More than two hundred French companies are active in Moldova providing mutual benefit to both economies. As EU membership moves nearer, we know that engagement by companies will only increase. Preparing for EU membership is already strengthening our economy and strengthening our resilience.
With the support of France, and that of others who stand by us, we know that we are not alone. Together we will make sure that Moldova will be free, will be peaceful and will be in the European Union.
