Moldova took over presidency of Central European Initiative

Chisinau, February 16 /MOLDPRES/- On the occasion of the Republic of Moldova taking over the presidency of the Central European Initiative (CEI), the head of Moldovan diplomacy Nicu Popescu welcomed the meeting of the national coordinators of the Central European Initiative (CEI), which took place in Trieste, Italy, the MAEIE press service has reported.

Nicu Popescu said "Moldova took over the presidency of the Central Europe Initiative with particular responsibility, an important initiative whose objectives are to promote European integration and boost sustainable development in its member states. I confirm our country's commitment to the main objectives of CEI. Through political dialogue, multilateral diplomacy, financing and implementation of concrete projects and initiatives, we will achieve a tangible impact in the region".

During the meeting, State Secretary Vladimir Cuc presented Moldova's priorities within the organization, stressing that in the current circumstances the Moldovan presidency will promote four strategic objectives: European integration, supporting Ukraine and overcoming the consequences of the war launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, post- pandemic, achieving sustainable development goals.

It was mentioned that during the exercise of the presidency, cooperation in the parliamentary sector will be facilitated, economic recovery will be supported, interaction in the field of health will be promoted. Attention will also be paid to the promotion of connectivity, scientific cooperation and youth agenda.

During the meeting, the logo of the Moldovan presidency at the CEI was presented, which contains the ornament of the high-necked shirt, the element of cultural identity, which was included in the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO.

Note: The Central European Initiative is the largest forum for regional cooperation in Central Europe, which promotes political, economic, cultural and scientific cooperation between its member states. Its basic mission is regional cooperation for European integration.

The CEI includes 9 EU member states and 8 candidate states for EU accession. CEI has observer status in the UN General Assembly. During 2022, the Republic of Bulgaria held the acting presidency of the CEI. For 2023, the presidency was taken over by the Republic of Moldova.

Photo: MAEIE