The Republic of Moldova and the United Kingdom have signed an agreement on the readmission of illegal residents. According to Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi, Foreign Minister, the agreement will ensure full respect for human rights and will allow the safe return, according to international standards, of Moldovan citizens who are illegally present in the UK, IPN reports.
The statements were made in Chisinau, at a joint press conference held after the trilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, David Lammy, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Luminita Odobescu.
Mihai Popsoi said the agreement does not affect those working and living legally in the UK. It strictly targets cases of illegal residence, which are very few, according to statistics. Similarly, Moldova and the UK have signed a defense and security partnership for more effective cooperation on regional security issues, building resilience to hybrid threats and strengthening collaboration at the operational level.
Minister Mihai Popsoi noted that in his talks with his counterparts he condemned drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and the violation of Moldova's airspace. According to the official, today's visit is a strong message of support for Moldova from its two strategic partners: Romania and the United Kingdom.
The Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, David Lammy, praised Maia Sandu's victory in the presidential elections and condemned Russia's involvement through disinformation and corruption. "We support a strong and sovereign Republic of Moldova able to counter these threats, that is why the defense and security partnership was signed", the British official said.
David Lammy said £5 million will be provided to support the health sector. Over 100 thousand Ukrainian refugees will also be supported.
Romania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, praised the results of the presidential elections and referendum in the Republic of Moldova, condemning the harmful external pressures on the country before and during this electoral exercise.
In the context of the 1000 days of war in Ukraine, Luminita Odobescu said that the effects are being felt on the entire continent and implicitly on the Republic of Moldova, but Moldova is not alone in the face of these threats. Moldova belongs in Europe because its citizens deserve a better future.
