site.btaUPDATED PM Zhelyazkov Highlights Treatment of Bulgarian Community in Moldova as Cornerstone of Excellent Bilateral Relations

The treatment of the Bulgarian community is a cornerstone of the excellent bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Moldova, as well as a reflection of shared European values, said Sunday Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov during a joint press conference in Chișinău with Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean, the Bulgarian Government's press service said. Zhelyazkov is on a two-day visit to Moldova starting Sunday.

Later in the day, the two leaders will visit the town of Taraclia, where a new branch of Ruse University Angel Kanchev has been established. “The opening of the university branch is not only an important guarantee for protecting the ethnocultural rights of the Bulgarian minority, but also a step toward expanding educational opportunities in the region,” Zhelyazkov stated.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister thanked the Moldovan side for its support in implementing this significant project, including the provision of state-funded university placements for students of various ethnic backgrounds. This initiative, he noted, creates substantial opportunities for strengthening the education system and training future professionals.

Zhelyazkov also commended Moldova’s remarkable progress on its path to EU accession and the reforms undertaken. “Bulgaria will share its experience in EU integration—not just as a firm supporter, but as a country that has learned many lessons through this complex process,” he noted. The Prime Minister also emphasized the strong potential for cooperation between the two countries across multiple sectors.

He highlighted the importance of improving transport connectivity, particularly along the South–North corridor, and emphasized that cooperation in the energy sector, especially through the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor, would provide strategic guarantees for the diversification of gas sources and routes. “This will reduce Moldova’s dependence—and that of the European Union as a whole—on Russian gas,” he added.

Zhelyazkov also stressed that both Bulgaria and Moldova share common concerns regarding Russia’s aggressive war in Ukraine and the hybrid threats that must be addressed together.

“Bulgaria stands with us on our path to joining the European Union, and I thank them for their consistent support," Recean told journalists following his meeting with Zhelyazkov.

“Today we welcome a friendly country – Bulgaria – at a time when Moldova is undergoing significant transformation and modernization,” Recean said. “We aim to implement a foreign policy based on concrete projects that benefit our entire nation. Together, we are building initiatives in education, culture, infrastructure, energy, and community development.”

“These are visible, tangible investments that matter to people,” he added. He noted that schools in Taraclia have received modern equipment, kindergartens have been renovated, and teachers are instructing students in their mother tongue.

“Today, we will explore new opportunities for the development of the Bulgarian community,” Recean continued. “Not far from here, there was an attack in a region that reminds us just how vulnerable our position is. The war is increasingly targeting civilian areas – places where ethnic Bulgarians, Gagauz, and other communities live – and we are doing everything we can to protect them. Together with Prime Minister Zhelyazkov, we will visit them today.”

Recean also warned of Russia’s attempts to influence internal developments in Moldova. “We are certainly facing challenges, and Russia is exploiting our problems against us — with no respect for Moldovans or Bulgarians, for our traditions, or our right to live as we choose,” he stated.

“As Prime Minister, I insist on providing every village and town with sports facilities, cultural centers, educational programs, and scholarships for young people from the Bulgarian community. This model of governance works for all citizens, regardless of the language they speak or where they live.”

Recean also emphasized the importance of cooperation with Bulgaria in the energy sector, calling it “a critical area, especially in the context of the Russia–Ukraine war.”

“Energy security is key to Moldova’s national security,” he said. “We must highlight the agreement between Energocom and Bulgartransgaz, which supports the diversification of energy sources and reinforces our energy independence.”

Prime Minister Recean emphasized that the Bulgarian community has been an integral part of Moldovan society for more than 200 years. “We celebrate together, we work together, and now we are building our European future together,” Recean said.

He highlighted the importance of respecting diversity, pointing to the university in Taraclia as a concrete example. “This is a remarkable project where programs will be taught in Bulgarian, Romanian, and English, awarding European diplomas and offering scholarships to students,” Recean said. “It is a clear step toward quality education aligned with Europe.” 

Recean also thanked Bulgaria for donating textbooks in Bulgarian language and literature and emphasized the importance of energy cooperation with Bulgaria in support of Moldova’s energy diversification goals. “Bulgaria stands by us on our path to EU membership,” he concluded, expressing gratitude for Sofia’s steady and long-term support.