The former President of Romania Traian Basescu was awarded the Order “Stefan cel Mare” in Chisinau. The order was conferred on him by President Nicolae Timofti in profound gratitude for his special contribution to promoting stability, security and democracy in the region and for the constant support provided to Moldova in the process of training staff for the areas of defense, security and public order, IPN reports.
In his speech, Nicolae Timofti noted that Traian Basescu is a friend of Moldova and he appreciates the personal relationship established with him. “We are glad to have such friends and welcome you to Moldova anytime,” said the head of state.
The President reminded that his first visit abroad as head of state was made to Bucharest and within it Traian Basescu encouraged him and wished him success during his term in office.
Traian Basescu said the awarded order is a sign of the respect that Moldova showed to him over time and to which he can answer only with respect and love for the country. “The previous days we celebrated the 97th anniversary of Bessarabia’s union with Romania. Today we are two independent states, but we didn’t decide this. It was the decision of two criminals – Stalin and Hitler – that was confirmed by Molotov and Ribbentrop. How long will we yet live as Stalin and Hitler decided?” asked the former Romanian President.
He added that taking into consideration Russia’s aggression of the last year years, the union is probably the best thing for the Romanians from the two sides of the Prut River. “We have the solution – to be together in the European Union. We must think about the best solution for guaranteeing our security, given the developments in the Black Sea region, which has now become an area with one of the tensest situations in the world,” he said.
Traian Basescu reminded that he earlier said that during his first visit to Chisinau as former President, he will apply for Moldovan nationality. “I didn’t do it because the political situation is not appropriate for this. I will later make the request to become citizen of Moldova,” he stated.
In 2010 Traian Basescu was conferred the “Order of the Republic”, which is highest state award in Moldova.
