The opening of a third Romanian consulate in the Republic of Moldova, the interconnection of electricity and gas networks between the two countries, non-refundable funds to develop the Moldavian educational infrastructure, the opening of a citizen-awarding agency to speed up this process and recognising diplomas - these are all measures that Romania will take or is willing to take, according to the statements made by Romanian president Traian Basescu in Chisinau today, January 27, 2010.

The two presidents held a joint press conference, followed by a ceremony where the two decorated each other. Basescu received the Order of the Moldovan Republic for supporting its neighbouring country European aspirations and for contributing to the development of the Moldavian state.

In his turn, the Romanian president decorated his Moldavian homologue the highest distinction of the Romanian state, the Romanian Star in the grade of necklace. "It can only be granted to a chief of state and in Romania the only man to hold it is the National Bank governor", Basescu detailed. It was also granted twice post-mortem. "It is a sign of respect for the democracy that is establishing in the Republic of Moldova and for you as the chief of state who chose an irreversible democratic path", the Romanian president said.

Here are the main statements of the two presidents:

Mihai Ghimpu

We had problems in the relationship with Romania until the formation of the Alliance. You have been convinced that once the state formations were formed after the Alliance for European Integration (AIE) creation, these problems started to be solved. The first aspect was to cancel the visas imposed on Romanians when travelling to the Republic of Moldova. The small traffic at the border agreement has been signed. It is a very good thing, made for the cit