ADVERTISEMENT

EU, Moldova reaffirm ties after pro-Russian president elected

Moldova's presidential candidate Igor Dodon gestures during a press conference after the end of voting in Chisinau on November 13, 2016

Socialist Party leader Igor Dodon won hotly disputed polls last month in an East-West tug of war over the future of the Soviet-era satellite of just 3.5 million people, wedged between Romania and Ukraine.

Flanked by Moldovan Prime Minister Pavel Filip, EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said close relations were "deeply rooted" in trade and cooperation, and Brussels was committed to helping Moldova push through political and economic reforms to benefit all its citizens.

Referring to Dodon's election, Hahn said: "We can already say today we will respect the final result ... and we look forward to cooperating with the new president."

He stressed that the 28-nation EU expected the government and the new president to continue the reform process and that the bloc would back such efforts.

ADVERTISEMENT

For his part, Filip said that "the citizens of Moldova have spoken ... now we need to get over this electoral period and start working."

Ties with the European Union were based on an association agreement which "is beneficial for our people. We are committed to its implementation and let there be no doubting that commitment," Filip told reporters through an interpreter.

He dismissed speculation that Moldova might change course, insisting and said any change of partners was "out of the question."

Moldova signed the EU association agreement in 2014 and half of its exports now go to the bloc.

Russia bitterly opposed the accord and responded with an embargo targeting Moldova's crucial agriculture sector.

ADVERTISEMENT

Dodon's victory coincided with a similar outcome in EU member Bulgaria, prompting concern Moscow was regaining influence in its Soviet era backyard.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Kaduna Gov grants scholarship to 137 rescued schoolchildren, son of late teacher

Kaduna Gov grants scholarship to 137 rescued schoolchildren, son of late teacher

Siamese twin gets married while still conjoined with her sister

Siamese twin gets married while still conjoined with her sister

LP BoT kicks out Abure despite convention victory, takes over party affairs

LP BoT kicks out Abure despite convention victory, takes over party affairs

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT