President’s speech at joint press conference with President of the Republic of Cyprus

Mr President,

Dear Nikos,

Thank you for your warm invitation and generous hospitality.

It is a pleasure to be in Cyprus at this important moment, as your country prepares to take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 January.

And let me add: your country is truly beautiful, and its warmth and charm are felt immediately.

It marks the first visit by a President of Moldova to Cyprus in the past 20 years, and it comes at a pivotal moment for Europe and for our own relationship. I hope it will give new impetus to deepening our bilateral ties and making our cooperation more dynamic, including as Cyprus steps into the EU Presidency.

Today, Mr President and I discussed a broad agenda: our bilateral relations, Moldova’s EU accession, security in your region and in ours, our shared support for Ukraine, and the efforts needed to restore peace on the European continent.

We have agreed to work closely together as Moldova is determined to make firm steps forward in its EU accession journey.

Moldova’s European path is entering a decisive stage.

For us, EU accession is not only a strategic objective — it is the most important national project since our independence.

It means stronger institutions, a more resilient economy, better opportunities for our citizens, and a safer Europe for all.

And the European Union itself benefits from a stronger, more stable, more democratic Moldova anchored in the European family.

Enlargement has always made the Union more secure, more prosperous, and more capable of acting globally.

Moldova wants to add to that strength.

The European Union is a union built mostly by small and medium-sized countries — countries like ours, supporting one another, sharing responsibility, and shaping our continent’s future together.

This is how the EU has become the most successful project of peace, solidarity, and economic development in modern history.

The fact that no two EU member states have gone to war with each other is not an accident; it is the result of shared values, shared rules, and shared commitment.

Moldova wants to be part of this project of peace.

Cyprus’s own transformation since joining the European Union is a powerful example of how EU membership strengthens stability and creates space for development, even in a complex regional environment.

Your country has modernised its institutions, diversified its economy, and expanded opportunities for your people.

We admire this progress, and we want to follow a similar path — because Moldovans deserve the same chance at stability, prosperity, and peace.

We believe Moldovans have shown that we belong in the European family.

We live by European values, and we have demonstrated solidarity in moments of crisis.

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moldova stood by our neighbours.

With modest means, we managed over a million refugees crossing our borders, with about 100,000 finding a home in Moldova.

We enabled Solidarity Lanes, supported humanitarian efforts in the border regions, and helped train Ukrainian deminers.

In multilateral fora, Moldova has consistently added its voice in support of Ukraine and international law.

We also contribute to European security through peacekeeping missions and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and by sharing our experience countering hybrid threats to help EU partners better resist interference.

Today, Moldova faces a window of opportunity — one that is urgent and must be seized.

We are accelerating reforms, strengthening our resilience, and advancing steadily on our EU path.

Our citizens have repeatedly voted for a European Moldova, and we are determined to deliver.

At the same time, Europe must continue fulfilling its historic promise.

The European Union is, above all, a peace project.

By enlarging, the EU enlarges the space of peace.

By opening its doors to those who uphold its values, it strengthens the entire continent.

Mr President,

As Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the EU Council, I am confident that our cooperation will deepen and that together we can advance the vision of a stronger, safer, and more united Europe.

I wish Cyprus every success in the Presidency and full achievement of your ambitious agenda for Europe’s future.

Moldova is ready to contribute.

Moldova is ready to move forward.

Thank you.