Moldovan premier pays first visit to Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia

Chisinau, 6 August /MOLDPRES/ - Valeriu Strelet pays his first visit as prime minister to Comrat, just one week after being sworn in. During the visit, Prime Minister Valeriu Strelet and Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia (Gagauz Yeri) Governor Irina Vlah discussed up-to-date issues of the autonomy, the government’s communication and media relations department has reported.

"I came here as a friend. I want us to have a constructive approach on all aspects of cooperation. We are a team and we must work together to modernise Moldova," said the prime minister.

Governor Irina Vlah thanked Prime Minister Valeriu Strelet for his interest in the autonomy and showed openness for efficient collaboration with the leadership of the Chisinau-based government. "We highly appreciate that you made your first visit in the territory to Comrat. This is a positive signal. I am confident that it will be followed by an effective collaboration to solve the problems of the region", said Irina Vlah.

The officials discussed a wide range of relevant issues: the item of energy resources rates, measures undertaken by the Moldovan government to ensure stability in the banking sector, investment projects and state's assistance for the social and economic development of the region.

The sides also referred to the government and donors' programmes, the need for a more active participation of the autonomy’s representatives in ministerial colleges and national structures for coordinating foreign assistance, as well as opening of the Territorial Development Agency in Comrat, by late 2015.

The officials also discussed the modernisation of roads' infrastructure and other sectors, government assistance for the agriculture and food sector, implementing cultural and educational programmes, including on studying the state language in Gagauz Yeri.

Prime Minister Valeriu Strelet’s visit continued at the Comrat-based State University, where he met with People's Assembly deputies, members of the Executive Committee of Gagauzia, representatives of the autonomy's business circles and social institutions.

The prime minister assured that this was not his last visit to the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia.

(Editor M. Jantovan)