Sandu on Moldova-Russia Relations: There Are Issues to Be Addressed

Presidential candidate Maia Sandu said that terms of pension and social security for Moldovan citizens who worked and are working in Russia must be raised. Export issues should be addressed and negotiations on the need to withdraw ammunition and troops from the Transdniestrian region should be continued. This was stated by the Action and Solidarity (PAS) party leader in the program Friday with Anatoly Golea, enews.md reports. “As an anti-Russian candidate, how are you going to build your foreign policy, only with Europe and the United States, or in a different way?” Golea asked. “I will work to improve relations with all partners, with all countries and international organizations. I will proceed from our fellow citizens’ interests, whether it be in relations with Romania, Kiev, or Russia. There are many things that need to be adjusted and improved - for example, with Kiev and Bucharest, because Igor Dodon had no relations with them at all,” Sandu said. The PAS leader said, there is a rather serious agenda with the Russian Federation. “We must talk about the terms of pension and social security for our citizens who worked and are working there. People ask me this question at meetings. It is necessary to address issues of export to Russia. Ammunition and troops removal should be continued. We need to look for solutions that will be based on the interests of our people, and not on personal interests, as is the case today,” Sandu replied. “In 2021, the basic political agreement expires; it was signed in 2001 for 10 years and was extended for another 10. Will you renew or conclude a new agreement?” the program host asked. “We will have to work and decide,” Sandu replied. “What kind of partnership will this agreement envisage?” Golea asked. “It should favor our citizens. Each state must work for the interests of its citizens. And I will work the same way,” the PAS leader said. When asked whether Maia Sandu would pay a visit to Russia, the presidential candidate answered affirmatively.