Igor Dodon used the platform of the International Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg to convey the alleged desire of Moldovans to rekindle relations with the Russian Federation. He advocated for the abandonment of sanctions imposed on Moscow, the resumption of negotiations with Gazprom, a return to Eurasian platforms, and the restoration of direct air services between Chisinau and Moscow.
In his intervention, Dodon repeatedly asserted that the citizens of the Republic of Moldova desire a closer relationship with Russia and a return to the Russian market, presenting this stance as one shared by the majority of Moldovans, notes cotidianul.md. The leader of the socialists insisted that resuming dialogue with Moscow is a necessity for the Republic of Moldova.
“In the last five years, since the current government took power, the Republic of Moldova’s exports to the Russian Federation have decreased by more than half, and imports from Russia have dropped by more than four times. The main cause is the Republic of Moldova’s adherence to the sanctions imposed on Moscow. What needs to be done? First of all, we need to abandon these sanctions. Secondly, it is necessary to urgently resume dialogue on all available platforms. People want this. The citizens of the Republic of Moldova want friendly relations with Russia, they want to return to the Russian market and hope that this will happen in the near future.
Unfortunately, in the coming months we are facing new challenges, and to overcome them several measures need to be taken. First of all, the Republic of Moldova needs to abandon the unilateral sanctions adopted against the Russian Federation. The example of Georgia is relevant,” said Dodon.
At the same time, Dodon advocated for the return of the Republic of Moldova to the cooperation platforms in the ex-Soviet space and for the restoration of direct air flights with the Russian Federation.
From the Republic of Moldova, Deputy Vasile Tarlev and the controversial politician Victoria Furtună also attended the Saint Petersburg Forum. The two of them likewise conveyed manipulative messages regarding Moldovan-Russian relations.