Moldova, Austria to boost bilateral cooperation

Chisinau, 28 April /MOLDPRES/- Moldovan Foreign Minister Aureliu Ciocoi and his Austrian counterpart, Alexander Schallenberg held a working meeting at the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On this occasion, diplomats addressed topical issues on the bilateral agenda focusing on political, economic and cultural cooperation, as well as review of ways to boost the high-level political dialogue in the coming period, the MAEIE press service has reported.

Bilaterally, the officials agreed to carry out systematic consultations with the foreign ministries of the two countries to advance current Moldovan-Austrian issues. The sides exchanged views on issues of common interest regarding the regional security situation, issues related to the Transnistrian conflict settlement process, as well as the global health crisis.

Aureliu Ciocoi and Alexander Schallenberg also reviewed the dialogue between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union, the progress in implementing the provisions of the Association Agreement, as well as the assistance provided by the EU in the fight against the pandemic crisis.

Aureliu Ciocoi pointed out the importance of deepening cooperation with the EU, as well as the need to revive the Eastern Partnership and endow the initiative with a new strategic vision, which would reflect the growing ambitions of the associated countries. Also, the Moldovan Foreign Minister reiterated that the Republic of Moldova is interested in the results of the Eastern Partnership Summit to contribute to the continuous rapprochement of Eastern partners with the European Union.

The acting premier referred to the efforts of Chisinau authorities to counteract the negative health, economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, Aureliu Ciocoi expressed his deep gratitude on behalf of the Government for Austria's bilateral assistance. At the same time, he asked the Austrian authorities for the request to identify the possibility of donating or selling a batch of vaccines to the Republic of Moldova.

The two sides appreciated the upward pace of bilateral trade relations, as well as interest in continuing to use, at real parameters, the important potential for cooperation. 

Finally, the Moldovan Foreign Minister invited personally Alexander Schallenberg to pay an official visit to Moldova. The invitation has been accepted.

photo: MAEIE