Moldovan, Romanian premiers tackle bilateral ties

Chisinau, 13 August /MOLDPRES/ - Prime Minister Valeriu Strelet today had a phone conversation with his Romanian counterpart Victor Ponta. The talk was focused on deepening and diversifying the bilateral cooperation between Moldova and Romania, Moldova's European integration process and implementation of the joint energy projects, the government's communication and media relations department has reported.

Ponta assured Strelet of the Romanian cabinet's  every support in carrying out the reforms, implementing the Moldova-EU Association Agreement and continuing the European agenda. 

Valeriu Strelet thanked for Romania's assistance and involvement in the modernisation of Moldova, as well as alignment with European standards. The Moldovan prime minister reiterated the importance of taking over Romania's experience to enforce the provisions of the Moldova-EU Association Agreement.

Strelet mentioned the need to implement the energy projects, especially, on Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline and the ones seen in the memorandum between the Moldovan and Romanian governments on implementation of projects necessary for interconnection of gas and electricity networks. The officials expressed confidence that the sides would manage to advance and complete the stages of Moldova's interconnection to the European energy market.

The two prime ministers agreed on having a bilateral meeting in the nearest future. Victor Ponta paid his last visit to Chisinau in May 2015.  

In 2014, Romania became the main trade partner of Moldova. Last year, Romania earmarked 70.3 million dollars for assistance projects to Moldova, ranking third on a top of donors after the USA and EU. 

(Editor M. Jantovan)