Moldovan, Romanian officials address cooperation, projects

Chisinau, 7 September /MOLDPRES/- Visiting Bucharest, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Europeam Integration Minister Nicu Popescu held bilateral consultations with Romanian counterpart Bogdan Aurescu today.They pointed out that Moldova and Romania are united by an extremely strong link - the language, culture and history community.

According to the MAEIE press service, the officials agreed on concrete actions related to the dynamization of relations between the two states, such as the organization of a joint meeting of the Governments of the Republic of Moldova and Romania, the elaboration of a new non-reimbursable assistance program. fulfilling the functions of the EUR 100 million Agreement, signed in 2010 and advancing the implementation of ambitious projects in areas such as trade and economic development, infrastructure, health, environment and other areas of common interest.

The heads of the two diplomats also discussed ways to accelerate priority projects on the common agenda such as the interconnection of power systems on the line Isaccea - Vulcanesti - Chisinau, construction of the road bridge Ungheni (Moldova) - Ungheni (Romania), the need to implement as much as possible of the Agreement on regulation of construction of aqueducts.

The Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister stressed that we must work together, in a sustained manner, to advance and operationalize these concrete objectives. At the same time, the official pointed out that the Government of Chisinau is determined to create optimal conditions for investors from Romania and the EU to feel comfortable, Romanian investments being the stake of the modernization process of the Republic of Moldova.

They agreed to boost concrete actions aimed at developing and strengthening the strategic partnership for European integration. In the perspective of the future Eastern Partnership Summit in December this year, Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu stressed that the Chisinau authorities rely on the full support of the Romanian side to reflect as substantially as possible, in this context, Moldova's objectives and expectations.

Nicu Popescu also pointed out the interest in reactivating in a close perspective the format of the Group of Friends of the Republic of Moldova within the European Union, co-chaired by Romania and France. At the same time, the officials also discussed the possibility of negotiating an agreement on the liberalization of roaming prices between Moldova and Romania, and in the future - similar agreements with other EU member states.

Nicu Popescu and Bogdan Aurescu also addressed regional security issues, including the Transnistrian settlement process.

In the end, the head of Moldovan diplomacy expressed gratitude to his Romanian counterpart for the consistent assistance provided in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Every second vaccine administered in the Republic of Moldova was generously offered by Romania.

Photo: MAEIE