Italy to back Moldova in implementing reforms

Chisinau, 12 May /MOLDPRES/- Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and European Integration Minister Natalia Gherman today met Italian Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Benedetto Della Vedova, on a two-day visit to Moldova, the Foreign and European Integration Ministry's communication and media relations service has reported.

The officials welcomed the excellent bilateral relations, pointing out the development of economic ties between the two countries. In the context, the Moldovan official thanked the Italian government for backing reforms in Moldova, especially in the home affairs, defence and agricultural sectors. At the same time, Gherman reiterated Moldova's interest in signing the cooperation agreement in social security in the nearest future, in order to initiate technical consultations in terms of pensions and social protection.

For his part, Benedetto Della Vedova reiterated the support of Italy for Moldova's European integration and implementation of reforms, especially backing of local producers.

In the context, the officials highlighted the importance of organising a joint commission for European integration, in the nearest future, in accordance with a joint declaration by Moldovan and Italian foreign ministers on bilateral cooperation, in order to implement the Moldova-EU Association Agreement, signed in 2014.

Also, the sides welcomed Moldova's participation in the EXPO Milano 2015 World Fair (1 May - 31 October), in which about 140 states took part, thus representing an exceptional opportunity to promote the country's image as a producer of ecological and quality food products, as well as good opportunity for Moldovan companies to set international partnerships.

At the end of the meeting, representatives of the two countries' government signed an protocol on enforcement of the Moldova-European Union agreement on readmission of people residing illegally; this document will allow establishing a mechanism of providing mutual assistance for an efficient implementation of readmission policies.

(Editor M. Jantovan)