site.btaBulgarian Prime Minister Meets with Moldovan President in Chisinau

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov met with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Chisinau, the Cabinet's press centre said on Monday. He stressed that Bulgaria supports strongly Moldova's European integration and highly values the political will of Moldovan institutions to continue resolutely on the path of reforms, the rule of law, and the strengthening of democratic institutions - despite all the challenges arising from Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Sandu thanked the Prime Minister for Bulgaria's positive assessment of Moldova's progress towards EU accession, as well as for the Bulgarian Government's support for the country's European integration. 

Zhelyazkov thanked the Moldovan President for the constructive approach and support of the Moldovan side in the process of transforming the former Taraclia University into a full-fledged branch of Angel Kanchev University of Ruse. 

The Prime Minister emphasized that more than 200 applications from prospective students have already been received by the branch, which proves that its establishment was timely and necessary for ethnic Bulgarians. "The opening of the branch in Taraclia laid the foundation for a sustainable Bulgarian educational and cultural presence in the region - which is important not only for Moldova but also for our compatriots in neighboring Ukraine," the Prime Minister said.

President Sandu pointed out that there has been an increase in the number of people wishing to learn Bulgarian. She expressed her delight at the large number of prospective students who wish to study at the branch of Angel Kanchev University of Ruse.

The two leaders also discussed the state of bilateral relations, which are based on long-standing ties, shared values, and the strong role of the Bulgarian community in Moldova as a bridge of friendship between the two countries.

Zhelyazkov and Sandu also agreed on the need for Europe to fight with all its might against Russian hybrid attacks and disinformation. The two once again condemned Russian aggression in Ukraine. For his part, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov noted that Bulgaria's support for Ukraine will continue during the country's recovery period.