(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAY 19 - "This Parliament has served as a home for many of our country's friends, and we value and appreciate that friendship. Thank you for your political support and resolutions that have aided our path to EU membership," said Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who will receive the European Order of Merit today during a press briefing in Strasbourg alongside European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. "I am deeply honoured to receive the European Order of Merit: it is a recognition of all citizens who voted for Europe and have defended it even in difficult times. But we want to go even further: Moldova is ready to begin all rounds of negotiations to join the European Union," Sandu said. (ANSA).