DEAR MR. PRESIDENT PLEVNELIEV,
EXCELLENCIES,
DISTINGUISHED DELEGATES,
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
I am honored to address to you at the Summit of the South-East European Cooperation Process. I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to Mr. President Plevneliev for the invitation to attend this important forum.
At the same time, I want to congratulate the Chair-in-office, Bulgaria, for the excellent organization of the reunion, but also for the positive dynamics rendered to the Cooperation Process during this year.
The motto of the Bulgarian presidency “The South-East European Cooperation Process - the key to regional cooperation for the past 20 years” fully reflects the role of the organization in facilitating and strengthening the close links between our countries. In this respect, the current chairmanship has contributed even more to the implementation of the joint priorities, including from the European integration agenda.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, our region but also the entire EU space is facing major challenges and threats that come to test the functionality of the European values and standards.
The migration crisis, the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, the difficult economic situation, but also the energy dependence on a single supplier, are only some of the sources of insecurity that can be eliminated due to imminent developments in the society, with the positive effects being stimulated in the European space.
In the past months we, with increased concern, have witnessed a worsening of the migrants’ crisis, generated including by the conflicts in the Middle East. This subject has dominated all the discussions of the actors from the Western Balkans, considering the huge direct, political, socio-economic and humanitarian pressure put on South-East Europe.
I assure you that the Republic of Moldova welcomes the inclusive and comprehensive approach to these concerns. As proof of this is also the “Joint Declaration on Migration Challenges,” adopted on February 2, during the meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of member states of the South-East European Cooperation Process, as a first timely step taken in this direction.
That document sent out a strong political message from the entire region, with the Cooperation Process acting as the most favorable and essential framework for developing and implementing an effective joint response to the major crisis that defies the borders and boundaries among our countries.
Moreover, the increase of terrorist attacks has become a real and serious threat to European security and safety. In this context, we consider timely the launching by the Regional Cooperation Council of the Regional Cooperation Platform in order to counter the violent radicalization and extremism in South-East Europe, with the first meeting of National Contact Points being held at right at the beginning of 2016.
Another challenge that requires a solid political commitment and an inclusive approach is providing energy security in South-Eastern Europe. Here I would like to note that our aspirations are identical – to create a competitive regional electric power market and to interconnect it with the EU networks, as it is provided by the Energy Community Treaty, of which the Republic of Moldova is a member.
In this connection, allow me to ascertain, with a feeling of deep gratitude, that the Republic of Moldova enjoys full logistical and financial support, from the Government of Romania and the European Union. With the implementation of projects of interconnection with the Romanian market, new opportunities will arise for the Republic of Moldova as well ‒ the most important one being its independence from the Russian Federation, the only supplier of energy resources on the Moldovan market.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Regional cooperation plays a key role in the implementation of European standards and in the promotion of the common values.
Along with the Eastern Partnership, to which the Republic of Moldova is a party, the South-East Europe Cooperation Process represents for us not just an important political forum for further political dialogue with the European and international community but also a “unique voice” towards promotion of a common agenda of the member states.
In this connection, I would like to congratulate the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina for filing their application for EU membership on February 15, and I wish them success in acquiring the status of candidate country as soon as possible. At the same time, I wish success also to the other partners who already enjoy this status with continuing the negotiations on the European acquis.
Also, I would like to express my sincere congratulations to the Montenegrin authorities on obtaining a formal invitation to join the North Atlantic Alliance.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am convinced that European integration remains for the Republic of Moldova an effective tool that will enable us to face all the challenges, to strengthen the democratic institutions and to contribute to an economic growth and increased well-being of the citizens of our country.
Thus, as a result of a complex process, my country has achieved one of the most tangible results – the EU visa liberalization for the Moldovan citizens, on 28 April 2014. During two years, more than half a million of our country’s citizens have traveled freely to the EU Schengen area. The possibility to travel without visas has considerably strengthened human relationships and has significantly advanced the dialogue between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union.
Also, I would like to mention that due to the signing of the Association Agreement, the EU has become the main foreign trade partner of the Republic of Moldova. And starting with 1 July 2016, this agreement is to fully enter into effect.
Today we can state with all certainty that the interaction between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union has progressed multidimensionally and the Chisinau authorities will make major efforts to not allow stagnations in the implementation of the reforms in all areas of cooperation, including the sectorial ones.
Also, the Republic of Moldova highly appreciates the cooperation within the South-East European Cooperation Process and considers it a valuable tool for exchanging mutually advantageous ideas and experiences with the EU and other international actors.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the congratulations addressed to Bulgaria for having been a successful Chair of the Cooperation Process, which has also coincided with the 20th anniversary of this initiative.
At the same time, I would like to wish much success to Croatia, which is the next Chair-in-office of the organization.
I am convinced that Zagreb will maintain the dynamic pace of the activities and will assure the close connection between the South-East European Cooperation Process and the EU, advancing the relations not only among the countries of our region but also among the states across the entire Europe.
So, let me assure you that the Republic of Moldova will continue to promote a constructive and open regional policy, and will maintain good neighborhood relations and friendship with all the participants in the Cooperation Process.
I am glad that, for 20 years, we have been partners in our joint efforts of building a European framework!