ISTANBUL

Moldovan President Maia Sandu announced she will run for a second term in the 2024 presidential election.

“After three years of mandate, we managed to maintain peace at home, strengthen the country's independence, have a government with the people and open negotiations for Moldova's accession to the European Union,” Sandu said in a video address on Sunday.

The pro-West leader said Moldova’s future is with Europe, asking the parliament to begin preparations for a referendum on joining the EU.

“I have obtained the support of the (EU) member states for this course and I need your support, dear Moldovans, to succeed. We still have important steps to take and I am committed to continuing if you give me the confidence for a new mandate in 2024,” she said.

Sandu became the first female president in the former Soviet republic in 2020.

Earlier this month, the EU said it opened accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, paving the way for the expansion of the 27-member bloc.