It is an honour to be here and to discuss how to further deepen the strong partnership between Moldova and France. Moldova is grateful for France’s friendship and solidarity.

It is a pleasure to be here today at the Moldova-France Business Forum, standing before business people, investors, entrepreneurs who drive innovation and create opportunities. Moldova and France share a deep friendship—built on trust, shared values, and a commitment to a strong, competitive, and forward-looking Europe.

It is an honour to be here and to discuss how to further deepen the strong partnership between Moldova and France. Moldova is grateful for France’s friendship and solidarity.

I remember that morning three years ago. 4 a.m. I read the news in horror. I got up, went to the office, and from there, I heard the bombs exploding. Odesa… or maybe Vinnytsia. At that moment, we didn’t know where the next bomb would fall.

Your Excellency, President Steinmeier, Dear Mrs. Liz Mohn, dear Mohn family, Dear Members of the Board of the Bertelsmann Foundation, Dear Professor Otto, Ladies and Gentlemen, Allow me to start by thanking you, dear President Steinmeier, for your kind words. I would also like to congratulate the Bertelsmann Foundation and the Mohn family for their efforts in strengthening democracy and fostering social participation worldwide.