President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides on Friday welcomed the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, to Nicosia, describing her visit as “historic” and reaffirming Cyprus’ firm support for Moldova’s European path.
“I would like to welcome you. We are particularly pleased to have you here, on a visit that I consider historic, 22 years after the last visit of a President of Moldova to Cyprus,” President Christodoulides said at the start of the meeting between the two leaders. The visit comes less than three weeks before Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The President underlined Nicosia’s support for Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Cyprus fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova,” he said, adding that during the Cypriot Presidency, Nicosia will make every effort to ensure that Moldova achieves substantive progress in its European Union accession process.
He praised the country’s reform efforts and its “clear European orientation”, assuring President Sandu that Cyprus will remain a supporter both during its EU Presidency and beyond.
President Sandu thanked President Christodoulides for the warm reception and for Cyprus’ continued support.
“It is a real pleasure to be here. Thank you for finding the time, despite being very busy with preparations for the EU Presidency,” she said.
She described Moldova’s accession to the EU as a national priority.
“We have high expectations from your presidency. As you know, Moldova is deeply committed to becoming a new member state,” she noted, stressing that her government is working “to advance the necessary reforms and meet the standards required by the EU”.
President Sandu also referred to her country’s resilience in the face of external pressure.
“We faced significant interference from Russia in the elections… It was not easy, but we showed that we are resilient, that we value democracy, that we want Moldova to remain sovereign and part of the free world,” she said.
She concluded by expressing her satisfaction with the opportunity to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation with Cyprus.