"I’ve talked to political leaders here, and with other leaders, who were invited, there were many presidents, prime ministers, especially those from Europe who know me better, we have had the opportunity to talk informally. Russia is a great neighbour that we cannot ignore or consider that it would serve us to turn it hostile. We are members of the European Union, of NATO, that is why our option is obvious, on the other hand though, the economic relations most importantly should be much better but also the political relations to Russia, as all the countries in the area have had – just look at Germany, Poland, and other countries – that’s what we should have too”, Ponta added.
Asked about his views on the problems of Gagauzia and Transnistria occurred after the signing of the association agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union, Ponta showed that in Sochi , he spent a lot of talking with the Moldovan Prime Minister Iurie Leanca whom he fully supports regarding the pro-European option of Moldova and appreciated that Romania has a huge responsibility to support Moldova to move forward on this pro-European path and solve all the problems raised.
"There are things that come from the past and, for these problems to be solved, obviously the dialogue with Ukraine, and Russia is essential, otherwise you cannot solve them only from one side, but Romania's support must be total and unconditional for Moldova's European path, " Ponta added.
The Premier was in Sochi this weekend for the Winter Olympics opening and to attend the reception given by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Late last year, Prime Minister Ponta said that, this year, the relationship with Russia must be re-considered and re-launched, in pragmatic and economic terms , and he called for the establishment of foreign economic policy objectives that he appeared available to discuss with the opposition leaders, such as Predoiu or Ungureanu.
He said that Romania should follow the example of the U.S. or even of the EU countries and to develop a global role, so its degree of competitiveness should increase.