Poland and Moldova have common goals and interests, and together they can achieve a lot. Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited Chisinau, where he met with President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean. He also appeared in the Moldovan Parliament, where he delivered a speech, partly also in Romanian. The head of the Polish government emphasized the unity of Moldova and Poland when it comes to the situation in the region, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine. He also assured that Poland will cooperate with Moldova on the country’s accession to the European Union.
The Need for Political Stability in Eastern Europe
It is in the interest of Poland and Moldova to have political stability in the region. Therefore, both countries will continue to cooperate intensively to stop Russian aggression against Ukraine as soon as possible.
We are very keen on a just peace based on respect for borders and sovereignty of all states. I am convinced that Moldova, with its very patient and responsible policy, can be a good example for Europe of how to solve problems in a pragmatic way
– said Donald Tusk during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
The head of the Polish government also drew attention to the similarity of the geopolitical situations in Poland and Moldova.
Our opportunities, priorities and threats we face are similar […]. Just as Poles are proud of their own achievements, Moldova has every right to be proud and very satisfied with what it has achieved. We therefore have every right – both in Poland and in Moldova – to tell Europe how it should act as a whole. No one should lecture either Moldova or Poland. Europe can take lessons from us on how to cope with difficult conditions and how to act in this special region.
– emphasized Donald Tusk.
The Prime Minister added that the talks with Moldova also concerned economic cooperation between Warsaw and Chişinău.
We are connected by interests, friendship, history and geography – together we can achieve a lot. I am proud that Poland has become one of Moldova’s main trading partners
– noted the head of the Polish government.
As he admitted, this task required good will on both sides. Thanks to this, Poland and Moldova are now closely linked economically.
Poland’s support for Moldova’s accession to the EU
During the press conference, the Prime Minister of Moldova stressed the importance of Poland’s support in the Moldovan accession process to the European Union.
We are learning from our Polish friends how to negotiate intelligently with the EU. Poland’s support at this stage is extremely important
– admitted Dorin Recean.
As he explained, Poland is an example to follow when it comes to, for example, the effective spending of European funds after joining the EU.
After 20 years since joining, we have seen that Poland has followed this path with great determination and courage to create a life of prosperity in its own country.
– he said.
Meanwhile, Donald Tusk assured that our country will intensively help Moldova in its efforts to join the EU.
Moldova is a small country, but proud and full-fledged. It is Moldova that has the right to tell the entire EU that the expansion and close cooperation of European countries is not only in the interest of Moldova, but of the whole of Europe.
– said the Prime Minister.
As he explained, there are no serious politicians in Europe today who would question the need to enlarge the EU to include countries such as Moldova.
Speech at the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova
During his visit to Chisinau, Prime Minister Donald Tusk also addressed the Moldovan parliament. He delivered his speech partly in Romanian, which is the official language in the country.
The Prime Minister described himself as a devoted friend and long-time ally in the efforts for a safe and sovereign Moldova.
Nowadays, we are united by friendship and – which is equally important in politics – common interests, both economic and strategic.
– noted the head of the Polish government.
Mentioning the referendum planned in Moldova on whether to include EU accession in the constitution as Moldova’s goal, Donald Tusk assessed that the country’s membership in the EU must be a decision accepted by its citizens.
You have made the decision to hold a referendum to confirm the pro-European path because you are right in thinking that it must be a decision accepted by the nation, not just the elites.
– said the head of the Polish government.
As he added, Russia’s triumph in the war with Ukraine would be a fatal defeat – not only for Ukraine, but also for the whole of Europe – first and foremost for Moldova and Poland.
I am convinced that we understand this situation identically, because we are talking about the fundamental interests and security of both our nations.
– noted Donald Tusk.
Addressing the citizens of Moldova in Romanian, the head of the Polish government emphasized that Moldova’s advantage is its determination and consistency on the path to Europe and the great authority enjoyed by Moldovan President Maia Sandu throughout the continent.
You have demonstrated – as a nation that has been severely tested by history and geography – extraordinary patience, persistence and responsibility. You have undergone very difficult external and internal tests, but step by step you are building a modern state, with admirable consistency. Poland will soon take over the presidency of the European Union. Let us use this time together
– noted the Prime Minister.