Chisinau, 5 November /MOLDPRES/ - Prime Minister Vladimir Filat had a 4 November meeting with the secretary of the Ukrainian National Security and Defence Council, Raisa Bogatyreva, who is on a working visit to Moldova, the government's mass-media relations department has said.

The discussion focused on prospects of strengthening relations between Moldova and Ukraine, the Moldovan-Ukrainian border demarcation, recognition of Moldova's properties in Ukraine and Ukraine's in Moldova, as well as the epidemiological situation caused by the A (H1N1) flu.

Raisa Bogatyreva congratulated Vladimir Filat on his appointment as prime minister, expressing confidence that the government will successfully overcome the difficult economic situation the country is facing.

"We rely on strong and effective cooperation in sectors of mutual interest and I think we have all preconditions for building bilateral relations on the basis of strategic partnership," Raisa Bogatyreva said.

She confirmed her country's position that the Transnistrian conflict should be settled peacefully and negotiations in the 5+2 format should be resumed, specifying that namely this format is viable and appropriate.

Raisa Bogatyreva also said that Ukraine is willing to cooperate with Moldova to get closer to the European standards, pointing out the possibility of launching common projects in this direction.

The Ukrainian official reiterated an invitation for Prime Minister Vladimir Filat to participate in the Summit of CIS Heads of Government in Yalta.

Vladimir Filat said that strengthening relations with Ukraine is of utmost importance for Moldova.

"The previous government feigned strengthening relations with Ukraine, but we have the ability to solve the problems existing between the two countries," he said.

Vladimir Filat thanked Ukraine for supporting the extension of the mandate of the EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM), noting that the EUBAM's activity is important and effective.

Referring to the Transnistrian conflict, Vladimir Filat recalled that a meeting in the 5+2 format will take place in Vienna on 6 November, pointing out Ukraine's important role in this respect.

The prime minister expressed Moldova's willingness to assist Ukraine in case of need, to overcome the epidemiological situation caused by the A (H1N1) virus.

At the end of the meeting, the officials also decided to establish an agenda of consultations between the two countries.