Basescu's visit at Chisinau: traffic blockages, road works at -20 degrees Celsius, protests and a loaded working agenda

President Basescu’s first visit abroad in his first mandate, to Chisinau starts on Wednesday, January 27. The event is long awaited in Moldova and closely followed from Moscow. The visit of the Romanian President triggered a lot of fuss with traffic blockages in Chisinau, road works at minus 20 degrees Celsius. The only local political who does not approve the visit is former President Vladimir Voronin.

Basescu underlined the importance of Moldova for Romania’s foreign policy by his decision to visit for the first time in this mandat Moldova. The invitation was extended last year by interim Moldovan President Mihai Ghimpu.

Basescu’s visit followed two important diplomatic moves: Romania’s Ambassador to Moldova was proposed – Marius Lazurca, a diplomat of an intellectual formation. The second move was Romania’s policy to undertake a proactive position towards the EU and actively support Moldova to join the EU.

On the other part, Moldovan authorities declared their willingness to improve relations with Romania after so many years of conflictual and tense relations. Basescu’s agenda in Chisinau is loaded with meetings. Romania’s Economy, Transports, Justice, Tourism ministers will accompany Basescu together with other Senators and Deputies and Romania’s Foreign Affairs minister.