Moldova, Portugal to boost bilateral cooperation

Chisinau, 29 January /MOLDPRES/ - Acting Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Aureliu Ciocoi discussed with Foreign Affairs Minister of Portugal Augusto Santos Silva the present stage of the Moldovan-Portuguese bilateral, multilateral relations and the European affairs ties at a videoconference today. The officials highlighted joint actions, meant to ensure the further development of the Moldova-Portugal cooperation.     

According to the Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry’s (MAEIE) press service, the two ministers considered possibility to carry out an agenda of high-level visits, strengthen the economic and commercial relations, including the deepening of the collaboration in sectoral fields: environment, domestic affairs, culture, etc. In the context, Aureliu Ciocoi invited his Portuguese counterpart to pay an official visit to Chisinau; the invitation was accepted, with the agenda’s details due to be agreed upon via diplomatic channels.   

As for Portugal holding the European Union’s presidency, the sides referred also to the cooperation on the dimension of the Eastern Partnership. Minister Aureliu Ciocoi spoke out for the elaboration of an ambitious agenda, which will continue the rapprochement of the associated partners with the European Union.  

Augusto Santos Silva and Aureliu Ciocoi also touched upon the management of the COVID-19 crisis. The officials welcomed the EU’s position as leader in the world’s solidarity efforts, including through facilitating the access to vaccine for the partner countries, as well as through the COVAX mechanism.   

The sides exchanged opinions on topical subjects on the agenda of international organizations. They paid special attention to promoting an efficient bilateral interaction and, respectively, mutual support within these organizations.  

At the same time, the two diplomacy heads stressed the contribution with value added of the Moldovan community from Portugal to the development of the Portuguese society. The officials agreed on fostering the procedures of negotiation of the bilateral agreements in the social sector, meant to protect the interests of both communities in the two countries.  

photo: MAEIE