Moldovan, Georgian, Swedish, Irish officials broach cooperation, reforms

Chisinau, 9 December /MOLDPRES/- Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Aureliu Ciocoi had a phone conversation with his Georgian counterpart David Zalkaliani on 8 December. The two officials reviewed the current state of Moldovan-Georgian relations and their development prospects, confirming the readiness of both sides for boosting continuous dialogue on topical issues in bilateral relations, the MAEIE press service has reported.

The officials exchanged views on the implementation by Moldova and Georgia of their European agendas, including the development of cooperation on the Eastern Partnership platform.

In the context of promoting the dialogue on foreign ministries, the sides agreed on the need to organize the next round of Moldovan-Georgian political consultations at the level of secretary of state /deputy foreign minister. Also, they discussed the collaboration of the two countries in international and regional structures.

Ciocoi invited Zalkaliani to pay an official visit to Chisinau.

Ciocoi had a phone conversation with Ann Linde, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden. Officials discussed issues of Moldovan-Swedish bilateral cooperation in various fields, the European integration of our country and cooperation within regional and international organizations.

The Moldovan official referred to the progress in implementing reforms and goals of European integration of our country and highlighted the support and contribution of Sweden in the process, as one of the founding states of the Eastern Partnership and an important partner for development. The Swedish diplomat said that Stockholm authorities will further support the European integration of our country and, in this regard, noted the development assistance programs worth about 12 million euros granted annually to our country.

Ciocoi and Linde also spoke about collaboration within regional organizations, in the context of Sweden taking over the presidency of the OSCE in 2021. The two foreign ministers discussed Swedish priorities in this capacity, as well as Sweden's visions for the peaceful settlement of OSCE conflicts. They welcomed the recent adoption of the Declaration on negotiations in the 5 + 2 format on Transnistrian settlement at the 27th meeting of the OSCE Council of Foreign Ministers, highlighting the role of the OSCE as a key partner in settlement of the Transnistrian conflict.

Ciocoi invited Swedish counterpart to pay a visit to Chisinau.

Ciocoi spoke in a videoconference format with Simon Coveney, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense of Ireland. He thanked the Irish official for the support of Dublin authorities in proper conduct of the presidential elections in the polling stations set up in the country. 

Aureliu Ciocoi and Simon Coveney appreciated the upward development of bilateral relations and reiterated interest in expanding Moldovan-Irish cooperation, in particular by conducting high-level visits between our countries and identifying new opportunities for cooperation in sectoral areas.

The foreign ministers also talked about Ireland's support for Moldova's European integration on modernization and reforms aimed at improving the lives of citizens. At the same time, an exchange of views was held on the Eastern Partnership Summit, as well as aspects of regional cooperation, including the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict.

The Moldovan official sent the Irish counterpart the official invitation to visit the Republic of Moldova.