Turkish Foreign Minister on relations with Moldova on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the stability of diplomatic relations
“An overview of Turkey-Moldova relations on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the stability of diplomatic relations”
Relations between Turkey and Moldova have strong roots in history. This could be clearly seen in the common words found in our languages. It is also worth mentioning the resemblance of our kitchen. We have wire, börek and mantı, while Moldova has sarmale, pie and dumplings. The “Turkey-Moldova Traditional Culinary Culture Project” within UNESCO contributes to the promotion of the culture we share. Tighina Fortress is also a cultural and historical value for both Turkey and Moldova. Moreover, we have common figures who have an important place in the history of both countries, such as Dimitrie Cantemir who lived in Istanbul for 22 years. Cantemir composed many pieces of Turkish classical music that would keep them a place of note on the invention until now. His house in Balat, Istanbul was restored and opened as a museum in 2007.
Our excellent relationships and close dialogue have gained strength from all these commonalities that we would be happy to share. Turkey was one of the first countries to recognize Moldova’s independence when it declared it on August 27, 1991. Since the stability of diplomatic relations on February 2, 1992, Turkey-Moldova relations have developed steadily. The visit of then-Turkish President Süleyman Demirel to Moldova in June 1994 was the first high-level official visit to Moldova in Europe. This visit provided a solid basis for continuing bilateral cooperation. In the history of 30 years of Turkey-Moldova relations, the declaration of the Strategic Partnership of 2018 during the visit of our President HE Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has become another milestone. This was followed by the first High Level Strategic Cooperation Meeting in 2019 and the first Meeting of the Joint Strategic Planning Group in 2020. Frequent contacts paved the way for various decisions taken and agreements signed. Among them, I would like to pay attention to the agreement that allowed travel on the basis of identity cards, as it contributed considerably to human-to-human contact. This is actually reflected in the fact that Turkey is the most popular destination for Moldovan tourists.
Turkey’s foreign policy is guided by Atatürk’s motto: “Peace in the house, peace in the world”, which is inscribed on Atatürk’s monument right in front of our Embassy in Chisinau. We aim to establish relations based on peace, stability and cooperation. Our approach to Moldova is based entirely on this research. We consider Moldova as a valuable friend and partner. As we always say, we see Moldova as a neighboring country, even if we have a common border. That is why we attach importance to peace, stability and the well-being of the Republic of Moldova. Demonstrating solidarity with Moldova in difficult times has always been a key component of our approach, as exemplified during the pandemic. As a NATO member and EU candidate country, we fully support Moldova’s integration into Euro-Atlantic structures and are ready to support this process. Sharing the same region, platforms such as BSEC and SEECP based on regional ownership have proven to be perfect forums to enrich our cooperation with a regional perspective.
Gagauzia is a special bridge of friends between Turkey and Moldova. Some circles perceive our approach to Gagauzia with suspicion. But there is no good reason for such a perception to evolve. Our relations with Gagauzia are conducted with due respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, which is an indisputable point. Our goal is to help our Gagauz brothers maintain their identity and cultural autonomy, while they successfully integrate into the Moldovan state. In other words, we would like to see them maintaining their Gagauz cultural identity and having a strong sense of belonging to Moldova. All our projects in Gagauzia serve this purpose. We always encourage our Gagauz brothers to learn the state language, because it is essential for their full integration and to have a constructive relationship with the Government of the Republic of Moldova. We tell them that their first counterpart in any matter is the Moldovan authorities.
My second visit to Moldova in just one year is a perfect sign of our strong relations. It also reveals the willingness of both sides to strengthen relations through new ambitious decisions. We welcome the stability achieved in Moldova following the recent elections and hope that it will help to move forward. We have a new page before us and, on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the stability of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Moldova, we are ready to turn this page and advance our valuable cooperation for the benefit of both parties.