Moldovan, Georgian premiers approach cooperation, reforms

Chisinau, 29 November /MOLDPRES/- The talks on deepening the Moldovan-Georgian partnership and the importance of strengthening friendship relations between the two states continued in Tbilisi today. Prime Minister Pavel Filip had a face to face meeting with his Georgian counterpart, Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The dialogue between the officials continued during the extended format meeting of delegations of the two countries, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.

Although it is the first visit by the premier to Tbilisi, Filip and Kvirikashvili meet for the fourth time this year. They said that the relationship between the two states is marked by mutual support and European aspirations of Moldova and Georgia.

Filip and Kvirikashvili approached several issues on the agenda of the Moldovan-Georgian partnership. The officials referred to the development of economic cooperation, tourism, cultural-humanitarian sector, strengthening bilateral legal framework, as well as the development of cooperation within international organizations and regional initiatives.

A special topic was focused on the implementation of the Association Agreements with the EU. In this regard, the premiers pointed out that Moldova and Georgia have common priorities in the relationship with the EU and it is important to share experience and good practices. “We agreed to have better collaboration on the matter. We represent more force and this will help us achieve our goals”, Filip said.

For his part, Georgian premier appreciated the institutional reforms carried out by the Moldovan government. He said that the progress in the implementation of the European agenda is visible. “Success of Moldova is very important to us, as we have the same direction of development. We are open to boost cooperation”, he said.

Also, the two premiers appreciated the beginning of this year’s activity of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, as well as the intensification of cooperation between entrepreneurs from Moldova and Georgia. It was agreed that the next commission meeting would take place next spring in Chisinau.

The sides also tackled cooperation within the Organisation for Democracy and Economic Development –GUAM. Filip congratulated the Georgian authorities in the context of the successful conduct of the GUAM presidency, and confirmed Moldova’s interest in continuing the initiatives promoted during 2018, when our country will take over the presidency of the organization.

The two officials reiterated their mutual support in the settlement of territorial conflicts in the two states, including through involvement of international partners in the negotiation process. “We agreed to have regional solidarity in this sector. It is important to have a permanent communication and to exchange information on progress”, Filip said.

Filip invited Kvirikashvili to pay an official visit to Moldova. Also, the premiers agreed to organize Moldovan Culture Days in Tbilisi and Georgian Culture Days in Chisinau.