The European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Her Excellency Iwona Piórko, paid an official visit on Tuesday to the Metropolis of Bessarabia, where she was received by His Eminence Petru, Archbishop of Chișinău, Metropolitan of Bessarabia, and Exarch of the Territories.
According to the Metropolis of Bessarabia, the meeting took place in an open and cordial atmosphere and focused on dialogue regarding issues of common interest.
Discussions particularly addressed the social and religious context in the Republic of Moldova, as well as the role of the Metropolis of Bessarabia and the Romanian Orthodox Church in supporting the country’s European path.
Metropolitan Petru emphasised the importance of the support provided by European institutions in developing the Metropolis’s social, educational, and cultural projects, as well as those carried out across the Republic of Moldova.
He noted that the European Union’s contribution has had a significant impact on improving the quality of life, strengthening education, developing social assistance, and protecting cultural and spiritual heritage.
Metropolis of Bessarabia Upholds European Values
During the talks, representatives of the Metropolis reaffirmed their support for core European values, including human dignity, freedom, solidarity, and respect for cultural and religious heritage.
They also noted that European integration offers key opportunities to preserve church heritage, protect places of worship, promote theological education, and access funds for local community development.
Another topic addressed was the fight against political-religious propaganda, which, participants said, can distort public perception of European values and the relationship between the EU and religious denominations. Both Ambassador Piórko and Metropolitan Petru stressed the need for closer cooperation to promote truth, discernment, and social responsibility.
Ambassador Iwona Piórko praised the openness and balance of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, as well as its social, cultural, and spiritual activities, which have a meaningful impact on local communities.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed their willingness to continue dialogue and develop constructive, lasting cooperation based on the shared values of the Church and European society.
Photo: Metropolis of Bessarabia
