Moldovan parliament speaker meets Ambassador of Turkey to Moldova, at end of mandate in Chisinau

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu has met Ambassador of Turkey to Moldova Uygar Mustafa Sertel, at the end of his mandate in Chișinău.

An important topic of discussion was cooperation for the development of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia (UTA Gagauzia). Igor Grosu stressed that the historical and cultural ties between the Gagauz people and Turkey represented an important bridge between the two countries and that this relationship must be leveraged for the benefit of the people and the development of the entire region.

"Turkey is an important strategic partner of Moldova and Gagauzia holds a special place in this relationship. We need to work together for the development of the region, for more opportunities for people and, very importantly, for preserving the Gagauz language and culture. We must do more, so that the Gagauz language is spoken, learned and passed on to new generations," said Igor Grosu.

The speaker praised the projects implemented over the years with the support of Turkey, including through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency – TİKA. Hundreds of projects have been carried out in Moldova, most of them in localities in Gagauzia – in education, health, infrastructure, agriculture and community development.

In the context, the "Recep Tayyip Erdoğan" College from Comrat was also discussed, one of the important projects carried out with Turkey’s support. Igor Grosu noted that such investments must contribute to creating better prospects for young people of the autonomy, so that they can study, work and build a future at home.

Turkey is among the most important commercial partners of Moldova and Turkish companies are present in more sectors of the economy. Igor Grosu underlined Moldova’s interest in attracting new investments, expanding trade and creating better opportunities for Moldovan products on the Turkish market.

The interlocutors also discussed the parliamentary dialogue between Chisinau and Ankara, which has been boosted in recent years through reciprocal visits and constant contacts between the leadership of the two legislatures. Igor Grosu said that parliamentary diplomacy can continue to contribute to deepening economic cooperation, attracting investments and developing joint projects for the benefit of citizens.

At the end of the meeting, the parliament speaker thanked Ambassador Uygar Mustafa Sertel for his contribution to the development of the relations between  Moldova and Turkey and for the open dialogue maintained throughout his mandate, and wished him success in his further diplomatic career.