Every action related to culture must have at its foundations a high-performing education system. Thus, tourism projects to promote the shared cultural identity can be developed through an applied program of the Ministry of Education, whether it is the one in Bucharest or the one in Chisinau, State Secretary of the Romanian Foreign Ministry Andrei Novac stated in an interview with IPN.

"It would be a great idea for the two ministries to collaborate and organize thematic trips as part of a joint educational policy. This way, students from both sides of the Prut would have the chance to better understand our shared cultural spaces," noted Andrei Novac.

According to him, as in the Republic of Moldova, Romania also has disparities between urban and rural schools. That’s why we must offer all children — regardless of where they are born or live — a chance to succeed.

“This chance must be supported through social policies. In Romania, schools are under local authorities, so in addition to educational policies, we also need well-thought-out social ones," said the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania.

Asked about a possible extension of scholarship programs for students from the Republic of Moldova who choose to study in Romania, Andrei Novac said that these aspects are the responsibility of the Ministry of Education. But, from his point of view, the scholarships should be extended.

"I have always supported the idea that research scholarships in international institutes should be increased to align more closely with European or American scholarships," said the Romanian official.

He also said that he had the opportunity to meet engaged and organized Moldovan students - for example, in Timisoara, where he studied, and they had a very active presence in university life.

"They must be encouraged – and supported to return to Chisinau after completing their studies. It is important that young people trained in Romania contribute to the development of society here," added Andrei Novac.