Moldova’s authorities committed to restoring ties with Russia, says president

CHISINAU, June 26. /TASS/. The ruling coalition, which includes the pro-Western Democratic Party of Moldova and the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova seeking to restore relations with Russia, supports a balanced foreign policy, Moldovan President Igor Dodon said on Friday. "Moldova will be able to survive and consolidate its positions, if we pursue a balanced foreign policy," he said during a social media question-and-answer session, expressing regret over the Foreign Ministry’s hostile rhetoric with regard to Moscow. "That means that we need to be friends with both the West and the East. <…> A balanced foreign policy will be viewed in a positive light by everyone, both our partners and citizens." "As for the Foreign Ministry, I must admit that our stances do not always coincide… <…> There are coalition partners who have their own ideology, who sometimes try to make strongly worded statements regarding foreign policy, although we agreed that we would first agree on such issues between ourselves and then make them public. <…> Of course, we have disputes, but we try to come up with a single stance on the most important foreign policy issues," he explained. Dodon pointed to the need to update the concept of foreign policy, which will be aimed at achieving balanced relations with the country’s chief partners. According to Dodon, the document is being drawn up by the presidential administration. After the presidential election scheduled to be held in the autumn, the concept is expected to be submitted to parliament for approval, the head of state added. Read more