Topics up for discussion between the two leaders include "bilateral cooperation, regional security and prospects for strengthening Moldova's integration with Euro-Atlantic structures," according to Krzysztof Szczerski, a top aide to the Polish head of state.
"A democratic and pro-European Moldova may become a key partner for Poland in a strategic geopolitical region ... between the Euro-Atlantic world and the Russian sphere of influence," Szczerski said ahead of the visit, as quoted by Poland's PAP news agency.
He added that Poland could offer Moldova "expert assistance in carrying out local government reform, along with training for Moldovan civil servants, and help in the process of preparing sector reforms, which are the best way to edge closer to the European Union."
Support for Moldova’s 'European path'
At the end of last year, Poland's Duda and several other Central European leaders congratulated Sandu on being sworn in as the new president of Moldova.
Sandu, a former World Bank economist who favors closer ties with the European Union, was installed as the first female president of Moldova after taking the oath of office at a ceremony in Chisinau in late December.
In a joint statement with his counterparts from six other Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, the Polish president said at the time that Sandu “has been given a strong mandate from the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, who expect changes, a more ambitious reform agenda, democracy and closer ties with the EU.”
In their joint statement, Poland’s Duda, Lithuania’s Gitanas Nausėda, Estonia’s Kersti Kaljulaid, Romania’s Klaus Iohannis, Latvia’s Egils Levits, the Czech Republic’s Miloš Zeman and Slovakia’s Zuzana Čaputová expressed their “full support” for Sandu in “her efforts to consolidate the implementation of reforms based on democratic values, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.”
“We stand by President Maia Sandu in her endeavours to establish a functioning democratic system in the Republic of Moldova that reflects the will of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova,” the seven presidents said.
“We are also ready to share our reform and European integration experience that could contribute to the prosperity and wellbeing of the Republic of Moldova on its path towards the European Union,” they added.
They reiterated their countries’ “unwavering support” for Moldova’s “independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity” and “the European path” chosen by that country’s citizens.
Sandu was elected in November after defeating pro-Moscow incumbent Igor Dodon in a tight race, news agencies reported.
(gs/pk)
Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters, prezydent.pl