First meeting of Moldova-EU Association Council held in Brussels

Chisinau, 17 March /MOLDPRES/- The first meeting of the Moldova-EU Association Council was held in Brussels on 16 March, the government's communication and media relations department has reported.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, European Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn and Moldovan Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici chaired the event.

The agenda was focused on assessment of achievements recorded in enforcing the Association Agreement and setting tasks for the next period. Justice reform, fight against corruption and stability of banking sector remain to be as a priority in Moldova's European integration. European partners remarked Moldova's achievements recorded so far. In this context, in 2014, the Moldovan exports to the EU market increased by nearly 10 per cent, and imports by 4 per cent. Also, progress has been recorded in adjusting the national legislation to the European standards and promoting projects related to ensuring energy security.

Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici said that the country's modernisation in accordance with the highest European standards and improvement of Moldovan citizens' life represented a priority of the government programme. The premier voiced confidence that this was the only way to advance in the European integration process, including at the Eastern Partnership level.

"The today's meeting opens a new chapter in the institutional dialogue between Moldova and EU. We will continue to cooperate with the European institutions and EU member states in order to meet the goals of the Association Agreement, which will bring benefits to the Moldovans", he said.

The sides set the priorities for the next period at the highest political level. Thus, they agreed on the sectors requiring joint efforts to implement reforms in line with the memorandum of understanding, signed in 2014, which provided for a 410-million euro assistance for the next three years. The European officials reiterated the willingness to further offer counseling and necessary assistance.

Attending the event was also Latvian Foreign Minister Edgards Rinkevics. The Moldovan delegation was represented by Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and European Integration Minister Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Economics Minister Stephane Bride, Deputy Premier for Reintegration Victor Osipov, Finance Minister Anatol Arapu and Justice Minister Vladimir Grosu.

 (Editor A. Răileanu)