CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) Romanian President Traian Basescu called for Moldova to continue its path toward the European Union saying that the neighbors shared "a blood partnership."
Basescu and Moldovan President Nicolae Timofti discussed setting up electricity grids and bridges across the River Prut. Hundreds greeted Basescu as he toured downtown Chisinau, the capital, on Wednesday. Moldova hopes to be invited to start EU accession in November.
"This visit is important for Moldova's future because it is preparing for the great success" of getting closer to joining the EU, Basescu said, indicating his presence boosted Moldova's hopes..
Basescu is very popular in Moldova because in his nine years in office, thousands of Moldovans have obtained Romanian citizenship.
Four-fifths of Moldovans are of Romanian descent the "blood partnership" which Basescu spoke of. Most of Moldova was part of Romania until 1940 when it joined the Soviet Union.
