Chisinau [Moldova], July 20 (ANI): Calling President Droupadi Murmu’s visit an “honor” for the Eastern European nation, Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Monday highlighted the two countries’ shared democratic values and commitment to international law.
Speaking at a joint press briefing with President Murmu, Sandu welcomed her Indian counterpart and noted that it was the first visit by an Indian head of state since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 34 years ago.
“Today is a very special day for the Republic of Moldova. For the first time since the establishment of our diplomatic relationship 34 years ago, a head of state of India is visiting our country. Mrs. President, welcome to the Republic of Moldova. Your visit is an honor for us. It’s also a sign of respect for our country as well as for its citizens,” Sandu said.
Referring to the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine, Sandu highlighted the security challenges facing the region and accused Russia of waging an “aggressive” and “unjust” war against Ukraine for more than four years.
“At our very border the war continues. Russia for over four years is holding an aggression war against Ukraine, a war which is absolutely unfair, killing innocent people, setting under threat the peace of the entire continent. Moldova is condemning firmly this aggression. We, exactly as India, trust in sovereignty of the states, we trust in international law. We would like to urge all the free countries which want their independence, their sovereignty, their borders to be respected to support Ukraine,” Sandu said.
During the visit, President Murmu presented Moldova with a bust of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s independence movement, as a symbol of peace and friendship.
Responding to the gesture, Sandu said, “The lesson learned from him (Mahatma Gandhi) is that the true peace is not the silence imposed by the powerful ones, but the mutual understanding between free nations.”
She added that despite the significant difference in size between the two democracies, India and Moldova are united by shared values of freedom, dignity, and a commitment to improving the lives of their people.
Earlier on Monday, President Murmu was received by President Sandu at the Presidential Palace in Chisinau and was accorded a ceremonial guard of honor.
Rashtrapati Bhavan said the two leaders held productive and forward-looking discussions covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also said President Murmu held bilateral talks with her Moldovan counterpart.
Reflecting on the discussions, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, “President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn held productive bilateral talks with President Maia Sandu of Moldova at the Presidential Palace in Chisinau. The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Moldova cooperation and discussed ways to further deepen collaboration. The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to unlock new opportunities and expand bilateral ties.”
President Murmu is on a three-nation European tour that includes visits to Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania. (ANI)
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