PM Ponta expects more from bilateral relation with Moldova than from Riga Summit

Prime Minister Victor Ponta says he has higher expectations from the bilateral relation with the Republic of Moldova than from the current Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga.

Photo credit: (c) Liviu SOVA/AGERPRES PHOTO

"I do not have very high expectations [from the Riga Summit], to be very honest. There is definitely some hesitation, some prudence at European level. I have high expectations from our direct projects, some of which we have implemented, some ongoing, [from] the fact that Romania has become the main economic partner of Moldova, [from] the fact that we have climbed for the first time at the top of public opinion as the country that supports Moldova most; the fact that people can go see a day-care built with Romanian money, a van, a museum; we'll have here gas or electricity from Romania, cheaper than we have now. I believe very much in this practical, everyday life side, and this was and will be my fundamental goal as prime minister," Ponta declared in an interview to Radio Chisinau, during his visit to the Republic of Moldova on Thursday.

He added that the economic relations between Romania and the Republic of Moldova have grown significantly, but "much more could be done."

"Last year we had an exceptional relation with the government headed by Mr. [former Prime Minister Iurie] Leanca. The early part of this year was a period of political instability, but I have discussed with the new prime minister [Chiril Gaburici]; we have also met in a different context. I came here to Chisinau to say very clearly we support the government of Moldova. On very concrete energy projects, Romanian companies coming here, we have projects worth nearly one billion euros, which is a lot for both Romania and Moldova. All we have to do is...