10 April 2020, Chișinău - The Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Oleg Țulea, had a phone conversation with the French Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Pascal Le Deunff.

Discussions were focused on the current situation of the two countries in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and Moldo-French cooperation at bilateral and European level in the management of the crisis. The head of Moldovan diplomacy expressed his sympathy and solidarity to France, one of the countries most affected in Europe by the coronavirus pandemic.

Ambassador Pascal Le Deunff reported on France's donation of medical equipment needed to diagnose Covid-19, made by the Embassy today, April 10th, for the benefit of the health system of the Republic of Moldova. This donation from France comes in support of the important aid that the European Union provides to the Republic of Moldova in the fight against this terrible epidemic.

In this context, Minister Oleg Țulea thanked for the valuable support provided by France, the European Union and the Member States - to the Republic of Moldova, for covering the immediate needs and for overcoming the long-term consequences caused by the epidemiological crisis. At the same time, the important donation of the French company Orange was highly appreciated to support the efforts of the Chișinău authorities in providing medical institutions with the necessary protective equipment, but also to continue the educational process through distance learning.

With special regards the officials adressed the situation of Moldovan citizens remaining in France and the challenges they face as a result of the cessation of economic activities and international traffic restrictions. Thus, the head of the Moldovan diplomacy requested the support of the French authorities for the cancellation of the penalties for the citizens whose term of stay in France has been exceeded. Minister Oleg Țulea thanked the French authorities for the assistance provided to Moldovan citizens stranded at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris on March 30th, reiterating the priority that the Government of the Republic of Moldova will continue to give to the repatriation of Moldovan citizens in difficulty abroad.

The interlocutors had an exchange of views on ways to strengthen Moldo-French bilateral relations, including on ensuring a favorable framework for intensifying economic and investment relations.