Moldovan, Latvian officials broach bilateral ties, Association Agreement

Chisinau, 26 March /MOLDPRES/- Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and European Integration Minister Natalia Gherman today met Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs, the Foreign and European Integration Ministry's communication and media relations service has reported.

An important issue on the agenda of talks was focused on preparations for the Eastern Partnership Summit, due in Riga on 21-22 May and the sides' expectations from the event. "We want the Riga Summit be a new benchmark for Moldova's European aspirations, especially by  recognising the fact that our country's future is within EU, as full-fledged member", the official said.

For his part, the Latvian official said the Riga event must offer a strong support to the countries interested in deepening the relations with EU, especially by offering practical assistance to implement reforms. "The Eastern Partnership Summit must record that the Association Agreement is not the final point in the Moldova-EU relations," the official said.

Also, the two officials welcomed Moldova's achievements in enforcing the Moldova-EU Association Agreement. Gherman thanked for Latvia's efforts in advancing Moldova's European integration during the presidency of the EU Council and for the bilateral dialogue in the pre-accession logic.

"We are impressed by the first results of the implementation of the Moldova-EU Association Agreement, especially the Free Trade Area, with Moldova's exports to the European market recording a significant rise over the last months," he also said. In the context, the officials reiterated the importance of continuing the fight against corruption, justice reform and stabilising the financial and banking system.

The sides also approached the issue of revision of the European Neighborhood Policy. Gherman appreciated Latvia's position on strengthening the relations with the Eastern Partnership states, especially, by an approach based on the differentiation principle and the "more for more" one.

At the same time, the ministers welcomed the successful implementation of the projects on modernising Moldova with Latvia's support, in such sectors as: administration, border integrated management, fighting corruption, energy, communication with civil society etc. The Riga government is to provide significant assistance for the Moldovan development projects. The officials spoke out for boosting the bilateral economic exchanges and Latvian investments' attraction in the national economy.

The Transnistrian conflict settlement and the situation in the region were also tackled at the event.

(Editor M. Jantovan)