'Our friendship is very strong' — Zelensky arrives in Chisinau for Moldova's Independence Day
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President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Chisinau at the invitation of Moldovan President Maia Sandu to mark Moldova's Independence Day on Aug. 27, saying, "Now, more than ever, it is especially important to stand together and strengthen one another."
"We are working to ensure greater joint opportunities in security, energy, and infrastructure," Zelensky said.
"Just days ago, the President of Moldova was with us in Ukraine on our Independence Day. Today, Ukraine stands with Moldova on its Independence Day. Friends should stand shoulder to shoulder."
Zelensky's show of support for Moldova comes at a time when the country is reporting increasing airspace violations during Russia's attacks against Ukraine.
Moldova's Foreign Ministry reported on Aug. 27 that five drones violated Moldovan airspace on the night prior.
"We have repeatedly warned about the unacceptable risks posed by Russia's war against Ukraine," the ministry wrote.
"These incidents are another reminder of the need to strengthen our national security and our ability to protect our citizens."
The Vynohradivka border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova in Odesa Oblast was also temporarily closed after a Russian drone strike on Aug. 25. It was the third attack on a border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova in the last two weeks.
During his joint press conference on Aug. 27 with Sandu and Romanian President Nicusor Dan, Zelensky thanked both countries for their support of Ukraine and mentioned the lifeline logistics routes that both countries can provide as Russia ramps up its attacks on Ukraine's port infrastructure.
Sandu also promised Zelensky that Moldova would continue to support Ukraine.
"Our friendship is very strong, and Moldova will continue to support Ukraine. We count on our friendship and partnership. And by being together, we can bring peace to the region and ensure that our countries remain part of the free world," Sandu said.
In addition to discussing the security issues facing the region, Zelensky and Sandu also discussed the two countries' path to European Union Integration. According to the President's Office, Zelensky stressed the importance of opening all negotiating clusters in the near future.
