Bessarabian Bulgarians are the bearers of the purest and strongest idea of love for the Motherland, Rumen Radev said in Taraclia, Moldova
The Bulgarian community in Moldova has kept alive the link with its historical homeland. For two centuries it has defended its national, ethnic, linguistic and cultural identity, despite hardships. This is what President Radev said at the celebration of the Day of the Bessarabian Bulgarians in Taraclia, Moldova. The ceremony was also attended by Moldovan President Maia Sandu.
You are the bearers of the purest, romantic and strongest idea of love for everything Bulgarian, President Radev addressed those gathered at the celebration, which took place at the Gregory Tsamblak Taraclia State University. The head of State noted that through their efforts, the members of the Bulgarian community had demonstrated the strength of the Bulgarian spirit and patriotism, which also contributed to the ethnic and cultural diversity in Moldova. The very presence of the Moldovan president at today's celebration is an expression of support, respect and understanding of the important role of the Bulgarian community in the country's social development, Rumen Radev said. Bulgaria strongly supports Moldova's path towards the EU and the sooner the country becomes part of the Union, we will all be together in the big European family and will have even greater opportunities for rapprochement and cooperation, Rumen Radev said.
For our community to be able to exercise its rights, it is extremely important that the Taraclia region is preserved as an independent administrative-territorial unit, Radev said. He told reporters that during his session with Maia Sandu and with the representatives of the institutions in Chisinau he had met an understanding that this expectation would be taken into account in the upcoming administrative-territorial reform.
The President underlined the role of Taraclia State University as a centre for the study of Bulgarian language, literature, history and traditions. It is the duty of the Bulgarian state and the Bulgarian community in Moldova not simply to provide financial support to this university, but also to work actively for its development as a promising and important institution of higher education for the modern times, Rumen Radev said.
Due to a number of historical, socio-political and severe demographic reasons, the institution is experiencing difficulties. In the President's words, Bulgaria and Moldova should discuss their commitment to a clear remedial approach related to the university's funding and independent legal status, for which top-level support has been expressed.
Apart from the financial stabilisation of the university, Rumen Radev said that efforts are also needed for the institution to offer new and attractive specialisations, so that the young people who graduate from the university find a professional career in Moldova and are useful for the country's socio-economic development.
After a concert at Taraclia University, Radev and Sandu took part in a meeting on the activities and prospects of Taraclia University, after which the Bulgarian head of State held talks with representatives of the local authorities, who briefed him on the problems of the Bulgarian community. In Taraclia, the President also attended the opening of a press club of the Bulgarian News Agency.
Radev is in Moldova at the invitation of Moldovan President Maia Sandu. The visit takes place in the context of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Moldova, which the two countries are celebrating this year.