Madam President, my dear Maia, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to Athens, a few months after our very constructive meeting in Chisinau. These contacts confirm the momentum in the relations between Greece and Moldova in recent years.
I would like to take this opportunity to publicly congratulate you on the successful conduct of the recent parliamentary elections in your country, at a time when our common values are being tested.
It is therefore particularly important that the outcome of this election sent a clear message of stability and democratic maturity. Despite external pressures, the Moldovan people have shown that they will not be intimidated or manipulated. They defend democracy and confidently assert their European perspective.
Your role, Madam President, has been decisive. You have guaranteed unity and, at the same time, you have given courage and prospects. The strong mandate you have now received allows you to move even faster with the reforms that will bring Moldova closer to Europe.
And please know, as I told you during my visit to your country, and I repeat today, that Greece will stand by your side on this challenging journey, supporting above all the territorial integrity and independence of your country.
Indeed, at the upcoming European Council discussion, I will reiterate that the accession of Moldova, Ukraine, and the Western Balkan states is a strategic priority for us.
Of course, this is a merit-based process, which depends primarily on the performance of each candidate country, but I would like to stress here, as I told you before, that Moldova’s progress is undeniable and must be recognized by the European institutions.
The path of change that you have set out on is substantial and measurable. This is reflected, as we discussed, in the recent report by the European Commission.
I am therefore confident that, thanks to your determination, your country will continue to successfully meet the criteria, and it is now up to the European institutions to tangibly recognize this progress.
And, of course, Greece is ready to support your efforts by offering technical assistance and expertise for the transposition of the European acquis. The recently-signed memorandum of understanding between the two countries serves that direction.
The President and I also had the opportunity to discuss in detail the opportunities in broadening our economic cooperation, with an emphasis on the Vertical Corridor. This is a project that is changing the energy and geopolitical map of the broader region, starting in Greece and ending in Ukraine via Moldova.
And it is no coincidence, Madam President, that last month, during the ministerial meeting of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC), extremely important agreements were signed in Athens. These agreements essentially pave the way for the import and distribution of American liquefied natural gas to southern and eastern Europe, via Revithoussa and Alexandroupolis.
This development is turning Greece into an energy hub, but also, I would say, into a reliable provider of energy security throughout the region, thereby contributing to geopolitical stability.
This progress is the result of methodical planning and taking advantage of our geographical position. At the same time, however, it was also the result of a national choice: to acquire modern infrastructure in a timely manner while also developing strategic partnerships with international energy majors.
Therefore, Greece is taking the lead in an alternative route, so that Europe can wean itself off Russian gas even faster.
However, as we discussed in Chisinau, this Vertical Corridor is not only an energy axis, but it also offers an alternative logistics route connecting the Aegean Sea with the Black Sea. It is an issue that is already included in the first agreement that we have signed with the European Commission, Bulgaria and Romania.
What is the purpose? Essentially, to develop dual-use infrastructure along this corridor. These are projects that could, potentially, be easily extended to reach Moldova and from there Odessa and Ukraine. This would create a parallel axis with obvious geostrategic significance.
We also agreed with the President to strengthen our economic cooperation in a number of areas of mutual interest, from renewable energy and tourism to information technology and construction. Our potential is great, and our countries have every reason to exploit it.
We know that, at this moment, your top priority is to attract foreign investment and stimulate the Moldovan economy. We would be happy to assist your country in this regard if we can.
In closing, allow me to highlight another equally important factor, which is none other than the historical ties between our two peoples. Chisinau, besides being the capital of our friend Moldova, also holds a special place in Greek historical memory, because of its connection to the Philiki Etaireia.
Therefore, we intend to further explore the prospects for cooperation in the field of culture. We are talking about the promotion of cultural heritage, the restoration of historical monuments that are linked to the long-standing Greek presence in Moldova, which I had the opportunity to personally witness when I visited your country.
Madam President, Greece sees your country not simply as a reliable partner, but as a true friend, with whom it shares the same commitment to European values and democracy. We certainly also share a sense of common responsibility for ensuring peace and stability in Europe.
I am therefore convinced that we will seize all the opportunities that lie ahead of us to shape a future of prosperity and security in our broader region.
Thank you very much for visiting us today.
