Joint statement of the Prime Ministers of the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Poland

Chişinău, 6 April 2023

We, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Dorin Recean, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland, Mateusz Morawiecki, have met today in Chişinău in order to enhance our regular cooperation at the level of Prime Ministers, thus emphasizing the strong inter-governmental dimension to the already vivid Moldovan-Polish cooperation in many spheres.  Our consultations took place in the context of the ongoing unprovoked full-scale Russian military aggression upon Ukraine which put Moldova in a very challenging security situation. The visit was accompanied by the business fair which constituted a perfect occasion for matchmaking between Moldovan and Polish entrepreneurs. 

Moldova and Poland have centuries long strong historical ties, we have also been cooperating closely in economic and development spheres for years now. The Poles living in Moldova for centuries have made a significant and valuable contribution to the rich culture, social and political life of the country.  Poland has been an advocate of European aspirations of the Republic of Moldova. It also strongly supports the actions of the Moldovan government to enhance cooperation with NATO. Anchoring the Republic of Moldova in the European community at large remains high on the list of political priorities of Poland. Poland staunchly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova in its internationally recognized borders.

We have touched upon a broad scope of issues – both bilateral and multilateral, discussing international and regional security, EU enlargement, Polish assistance to Moldova’s transformation and modernization stimulated by Polish direct investment into Moldovan economy.  

We also agreed that the major challenge for the security of both our nations as well as for the wider Central European region to which our both countries belong stems from Russia’s unprovoked full-scale aggression against neighbouring Ukraine and subsequent hybrid warfare waged against peaceful Moldova. We have condemned the illegal Russian invasion and expressed our full support to the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Both of us highly appreciate the decision of the European Council to grant the EU candidate status for the Republic of Moldova. Poland is ready to provide political support as well as necessary expertise to Moldova’s efforts on its way towards full-fledged EU membership, both – bilaterally and through the relevant European mechanisms and instruments. The accession process of the Republic of Moldova should proceed dynamically, merit-based, without creating artificial obstacles while observing the requirements stemming directly from the EU Treaties. In this regard we firmly believe that, following a positive recommendation of the European Commission, the decision of the European Council in December 2023 to open the EU accession negotiations as soon as possible will ensure the irreversibility of Moldova’s European path and provide systemic long-term impulse for the reforms.    

We support the dialogue in the agreed formats aimed at achieving the peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders.   

Poland declares its ongoing engagement into development of Moldovan civil society and market economy. We expressed our appreciation of the years-long activity of Polish International Solidarity Fund in the country, with its presence visible in many regions of the country. Many Moldovan citizens have benefited from a variety of projects implemented with the valuable support of the Fund. 

We took notice on the Moldovan security needs, particularly in cyber, and informational and public safety areas. The Polish side is ready to share experiences how to tackle in practice the negative phenomena in these areas. Both countries agreed to step up cooperation in the defence area. 

We agreed that there are plenty of opportunities for direct investments by Polish companies into Moldovan economy - in sectors like food and agriculture industry, digital and energy. Polish economic presence alongside other friendly partners should very quickly provide Moldova with recent technologies, full access to European market, jobs and - above all - wealthy and safe life prospects for the younger generation of citizens of Moldova. We have agreed to develop new tools, including in the area of financial support to the SMEs, which – along with the already existing ones – will help enhance our bilateral economic cooperation. The Moldovan side has reconfirmed its readiness to promote fruitful cooperation, in line with its international commitments, with the Polish investors and entrepreneurs interested to access Moldovan market.

In this context we strongly welcome the signature, in the framework of the visit as well as Moldovan - Polish Economic Forum of the following documents:

·       Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry for Economic Development and Digitalization of the Republic of Moldova and the Minister of Digital Affairs of the Republic of Poland on Cyber Security 

·       Memorandums of Understanding on cooperation between JSC "ENERGOCOM" and Towarowa Giełda Energii (TGE) S.A.

·       Memorandums of Understanding on cooperation between the Railway of Moldova and the Polish Investment Trade Agency S.A. and the Polish Chamber of Manufacturers of Equipment and Services for Railways