European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen der Leyen will visit Moldova for a meeting with pro-Western President Maya Sandu as a sign of support ahead of the upcoming presidential elections on October 20 and the referendum on the country's membership in the European Union, reported "Reuters". The visit highlights the strengthening ties between Chisinau and Brussels, the office of the Moldovan president noted, quoted by BTA.
Maja Sandu, who strongly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is seeking a second term, with the presidential election to be held in parallel with a referendum on adding EU membership as a "strategic goal" in the constitution. According to polls, Sandu has a significant lead over the other candidates.
Moldova's relations with Russia have soured in recent years, with Chisinau accusing Moscow of trying to destabilize the government, while Russia accuses Sandu of stoking "Russophobia". Moldova began formal EU membership talks in June, with Sandu hoping the country will join by 2030.