Vladimir Bolea, the Minister of Infrastructure of Moldova, emphasized the significance of the upcoming bilateral projects between Moldova and Romania. In a recent interview with RFI’s Moldova Zoom, he stated that the Prime Minister of Moldova, Alexandru Munteanu, will be visiting Bucharest for the first time, a move that symbolizes the strengthening ties between the two nations.
Key Infrastructure Projects Along the Prut River
Bolea highlighted that the Moldovan government is committed to ongoing infrastructure improvements initiated over the past four years. Key developments include:
- Completion of the railway interconnection between Moldova and Romania.
- Construction of the first segment of the A8 highway, supported by EU funding.
- Development of multimodal transportation hubs.
‘Podul de Flori’ and Upcoming Bridges
One of the prominent projects is ‘Podul de Flori,’ a bridge set to be completed by September-October 2026. It will be the first bridge built over the Prut River in over 60 years. Bolea mentioned that this bridge, located at Ungheni, will be officially named ‘Podul de Flori’ following a joint decision made during a bilateral meeting.
In addition to this bridge, there are plans for four more stone bridges over the Prut River, with expectations for their completion between 2028 and 2030. Community leaders from both Moldova and Romania have expressed strong support for these developments.
Regional Connectivity and Support for Ukraine
Bolea also discussed the importance of enhancing connectivity to establish Moldova and Romania as a vital regional hub for Ukraine’s recovery efforts. The Minister noted that comprehensive infrastructure must be prepared for the reconstruction of Ukraine, aiming to demonstrate to the European Union the readiness of both countries to support this initiative.
- Development of three railway bridges.
- Improved road connectivity.
- Storage systems compatible with broad gauge railways that link to Ukraine.
These projects not only aim to enhance logistical capabilities but also to showcase the unity and strength of the Moldovan-Romanian relationship.
A Vision for the Future
Bolea conveyed a vision of unity between Moldova and Romania, referring to both nations as “two Romanian states.” He expressed the need to embrace their shared heritage and work towards a prosperous future within the European Union.
The full interview featuring Minister Vladimir Bolea will be broadcasted on Friday, November 14, at 10:15 AM during the Moldova Zoom program on RFI.
