The Mayor of Soroca Municipality, Lilia PILIPEȚCHI, in the context of the launch of the CAPDR Cross-Border Cooperation Center – Ștefănești: “The hopes are enormous. This cooperation has been awaited for a long time.”
Mesaje publice
On January 30, 2026, at the Ștefănești Town Hall, Botoșani County, the Romania – Republic of Moldova – Ukraine Working Meeting took place, an event dedicated to strengthening cross-border cooperation and the role of public administration in developing and implementing regional development strategies. In this context, the CAPDR Cross-Border Cooperation Center – Ștefănești was also launched.
The meeting was organized by the Center for Analysis and Planning of Regional Development (CAPDR), in partnership with ADR Chișinău, and hosted by the Ștefănești Town Hall.
The event brought together approximately 60 representatives from local public administrations and institutions from the suburbs of Chișinău Municipality, the Northern Region of the Republic of Moldova, Botoșani, Suceava, and Iași counties, as well as from the eligibility area for cross-border cooperation in Ukraine.
Thematic Framework and Objectives of the Meeting
The meeting agenda focused on the topic “The Role of Public Administration in Developing and Implementing Development Strategies”, within the context of the Interreg NEXT Romania – Republic of Moldova 2021–2027 Project, implemented by CAPDR and ADR Chișinău.
The project component aimed to create an institutional framework for dialogue and practical cooperation between public authorities, associative organizations, and experts from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, with an emphasis on regional development and cross-border cooperation.
During the meeting, the concept “From Dialogue to Action” was also presented, through the introduction of the CAPDR Cross-Border Cooperation Center – Ștefănești. Discussions addressed aspects related to the establishment of the center, membership structure, ongoing activities, projects developed by its members, as well as its national and international representation role.
After the working session, the agenda continued with a visit to the future headquarters of the CAPDR Cross-Border Cooperation Center – Ștefănești, followed by an institutional networking session hosted at the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University base in Ștefănești. This stage was dedicated to strengthening the RO–MD–UA network, identifying joint projects, exchanging contacts, and shaping cooperation perspectives within thematic working groups.
Mayor of Soroca Municipality, Lilia Pilipețchi: “The hopes are enormous. This cooperation has been awaited for a long time.”
The participation of Soroca Municipality in the Romania – Republic of Moldova – Ukraine Working Meeting, held at the Ștefănești Town Hall, was marked by a strong message of openness, cooperation, and trust in cross-border projects, delivered by the Mayor of Soroca, Lilia Pilipețchi.
“I have come here today with great joy for the start of this cooperation we have long awaited. The hopes are enormous,” stated the mayor, emphasizing the importance of creating a functional framework for dialogue and action between public administrations in Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine.
Development – A Common Goal of Local Administrations
The Mayor of Soroca highlighted that the Republic of Moldova, like the municipality she leads, is undergoing an intense preparation stage for development, and the projects discussed during the meeting represent real opportunities for progress.
“The Republic of Moldova is preparing its tasks, Soroca Municipality especially desires development, and we have great hope that all projects put on the table will come together and come to life,” emphasized Lilia Pilipețchi.
She stressed that the challenges faced by Soroca are not different from those encountered nationally or by Romania in the past, which is why the experience of Romanian partners is essential.
“Romania is like our older sister, and we embrace all the lessons from there, from the neighboring country,” affirmed the mayor.
Concrete Cross-Border Projects Already in Implementation
In her intervention, the mayor also provided concrete examples of cooperation already underway, mentioning the cross-border project implemented following the twinning and cooperation agreement with Botoșani Municipality.
“We are already implementing a cross-border project, specifically an infrastructure project,” explained Lilia Pilipețchi, adding that development is necessary in all key sectors: infrastructure, social, and education.
Another relevant example is the “mirror” project concerning the construction of two pools, which is scheduled to be completed in 2027. “All these projects are highly anticipated by the Republic of Moldova,” she highlighted.
Soroca – A Tourist, Cultural, and Gastronomic Destination
Beyond the administrative and institutional cooperation dimension, the Mayor of Soroca presented the city’s tourism and cultural potential, inviting participants to discover its local identity.
“Soroca is highly esteemed for its people of outstanding quality. The households in Soroca stand out,” stated the mayor.
Among the emblematic objectives is the “Candle of Gratitude” monument, an impressive construction approximately 37 meters high, built manually, stone by stone, over seven years, dedicated to the “unknown poet.” Access is via climbing around 600 steps.
Additionally, Soroca Municipality is known for its Roma neighborhood, a representative space of the city’s cultural diversity. “Currently, we have around 5,000 Roma in Soroca, integrated into society and receiving a good education,” noted the mayor.
The tourism offer is complemented by local restaurants, educational institutions – “our high schools prepare quality children” – and the local gastronomy.
“How can we not highlight ‘baba neagră,’ which is specific to Soroca? We invite everyone to Soroca, and we welcome you with ‘baba neagră’ and ‘baba albă,’” conveyed the mayor in a warm message to the partners.
A Message of Peace and Openness
In conclusion, the Mayor of Soroca delivered a message of unity and hope, in line with the spirit of the trilateral meeting.
“May God help everyone with thoughts of peace. We embrace you, and know that we love you,” concluded Lilia Pilipețchi.
The statements of the Mayor of Soroca confirm the increasingly active role of local administrations in the Republic of Moldova in building cross-border partnerships and leveraging opportunities offered by European programs, within a regional cooperation framework based on dialogue, trust, and concrete projects.
