Croatia represents example for Moldova on European transformation road, Moldovan foreign affairs minister says in Zagreb

Chisinau, 16 December /MOLDPRES/ - Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Nicu Popescu is on a visit to Zagreb, which marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Moldova and Croatia, the Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry’s (MAEIE) press service has reported.     

The Moldovan official congratulated his Croatian counterpart, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić-Radman on an and of the year with much success, not only in football, but also in the process of Croatia’s accession to the Schengen Area and Euro Zone, as well as on the progress of joining the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

„Through all these recent and past achievements, as well as through the efforts Croatia has proved as country in the last decades, by evolving from a state of brutal war to a state of European condition, calm, peace and well-being through European integration, our Croatian friends represent a truthful example for Moldova on the European transformation road,’’ Nicu Popescu said.     

Minister Gordan Grlić-Radman visited Chisinau in early last February on the period of the last weeks of peace on the European continent. Peace which was brutally attacked by Russia and we have condemned this aggression since the very first day, along with Croatia and our European partners. Today, 10 months after the unleashing of this war, Moldova is quite affected in terms of security, humanitarian aspects, economically, through the destruction of the logistic and trade infrastructure and recently in energy aspects.      

„The Russian bombardments on the energy infrastructure of Ukraine affect Moldova. We had more missiles which violated our air space and we had more situations when a good deal and even most of Moldova’s territory was in blackout because of the Russian bombardments against Ukraine. Even in this difficult situation, we, as country, continue to look into the future with optimism, due to the support of our European partners, due to EU, due to Croatia – we advance in the strengthening of democracy, energy security and ensuring peace on our territory,’’ Foreign Affairs Minister Nicu Popescu said in Zagreb.     

The official noted that the Moldovan side was grateful for the Croatian support provided to the status of country candidate for accession to the European Union, for the participation in the Moldova Support Platform, as well as for support in the accession process – Croatia will help us prepare the public administration for the long way of reforms we expect in the long run.  

The ministers also discussed the important role of Croatia in the distribution of the network of energy resources regionally. The Moldovan diplomat informed about the authorities’ interest in a closer cooperation for the potential import of natural gas in the long run.  

„Our bilateral commerce has a very good dynamic and we want to extend the trade relations. Just on these days, the Viorica Cosmetics  Company negotiated with the BIPA company the conditions of sale of cosmetics products on the market of Croatia and we have an open dialogue with business people from Croatia in such sectors as information technologies, tourism, pharmaceutical field, which will bring benefits to both countries in future.   

We want also the commercialization of Moldovan products of interest for the export to the European market through the Croatian companies ORBICO, Stjema Promet, DM network and Fortenova Grupa – including fruits, vegetables, tinned products, dried fruits and wine,’’ the Moldovan official said.

The diplomats referred also to the regional situation, in particular, the organization of the Summit of the European Political Community in Moldova next year.  

„I thanked the minister for the today’s comprehensive discussions and I am sure that we will be able to strengthen even more the Moldovan-Croatian friendship, which has advanced a lot in the last year.   

Also, I wished much success to the Croatian team at the World Football Championship at the match for the bronze medals due in Doha on 17 December,’’ Deputy PM Nicu Popescu added.  

Photo: MAEIE