Moldova, Turkey agree to establish strategic partnership

Chisinau, 2 April /MOLDPRES/ - Deputy Foreign and European Integration Minister Natalia Gherman met Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who is paying a visit to Moldova, the Foreign and European Integration Ministry’s information and media communication service has reported.

The officials praised the upward trend in relations between the two countries and called for strengthening bilateral political dialogue and economic cooperation. In this context, the officials agreed for the two countries to sign the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the Strategic Partnership in the near future, which will represent a new stage in the development of bilateral relations.

"We are interested in increasing domestic products exports to Turkey and attracting Turkish investments in the national economy," said Minister Natalia Gherman.

The officials also tackled cooperation in the field of energy and the possibility of Moldova participating in regional energy projects.

For his part, Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu assured that the Free Trade Agreement between Moldova and Turkey would soon be ratified by the Ankara-based parliament, which would contribute to boosting economic ties.

Furthermore, the two ministers welcomed the implementation of the visa-free regime between the two countries, which boosted mutual visits of the citizens of both states and contributed to strengthening bilateral relations on more dimensions.

Particular attention was paid to national minorities living in Moldova, including the Gagauz people, with regard to preserving the values and cultural and linguistic traditions of this ethnic group.

The head of the Moldovan diplomacy expressed appreciation for the actions undertaken by the Turkish government to implement assistance programmes through the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA).

At the end of the meeting, Minister Natalia Gherman and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu signed the Protocol of Cooperation between Moldova and Turkey on the general terms and conditions for development, which provides for technical assistance to Moldova in the fields of economy, trade, infrastructure, technology, law, public administration, education, culture and healthcare through TIKA.

(Editor M. Jantovan)