Moldovan prime minister presents mandate agenda

Chisinau, 2 May /MOLDPRES/ - At the initiative of Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici, the joint working session between the cabinet of ministers and Moldova’s foreign partners was held on 1 May. The sides discussed the Explanatory Note, which contains opinions and proposals which the government could use in implementing the Moldova - European Union Association Agreement. The document was handed to the prime minister in early March, according to the government’s communication and media relations department.

Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici thanked foreign partners for supporting the Moldovan authorities in implementing the agenda of modernising and developing the country and identified three major priorities of the current government: national unity, rule of law and sustainable economy.

"We set these priorities after discussions with the Cabinet members, business and civil society representatives. We appreciate the tremendous support of development partners and ongoing dialogue that we have. Together we have identified the problems and came up with concrete solutions and actions to be implemented within the set terms", said Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici.

World Bank Country Manager for Moldova Alexander Kremer reiterated the importance of an open dialogue between foreign partners and the Moldovan authorities. "We are happy that the Moldovan government is open to discuss Moldova's development policies. The discussions were constructive and we hope that they will be useful in implementing reforms, development and deepening of the European course of the country", said Alexander Kremer.

Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Pirkka Tapiola stressed that citizens took the centre stage during discussions. "I want to mention that it was a very constructive discussion and I noted such a great openness on behalf of the government and the prime minister for the first time ever. I noticed the authorities’ willingness to work and take concrete actions for the good of Moldovan citizens and for the development of this country. We want a successful Moldova!", specified Ambassador Pirkka Tapiola.

The discussions focused on economic, social and security, justice and governance topics. One of the main topics targeted the macro-economic and financial situation in the country as a condition for advancing the reform agenda. The World Bank director for Moldova said the authorities should develop a reasonable monetary policy and revise the state budget. Discussions also focused on efforts to combat corruption, reform the justice system, revive the business environment, by promoting policies to encourage small and medium enterprises, regional development.

In conclusion, the ministers stressed the need for permanent communication, also supported by development partners with Moldovan citizens in order to convince them of the benefits of the reforms initiated. UN Resident Coordinator Dafina Gercheva called for a more active involvement of the media in covering the reform agenda: "Time flies and we must act promptly".

US Ambassador James Pettit, Swedish Ambassador Ingrid Tersman and other officials attended joint work session.

(Editor A. Raileanu)