Moldovan, Romanian governments hold joint meeting

Chisinau, 23 September /MOLDPRES/ - The Moldovan and Romanian governments met in a joint meeting in Constanta, on 22 September. The two governments set the areas which will benefit from technical and financial assistance based on a 100-million-euro-worth non-refundable aid provided to Moldova by Romania, the government's communication and media relations department has reported.

Thus, transport projects, which regard the drafting and construction of new bridges across the Prut, projects on interconnection of energy and gas transport systems, meant to ensure Moldova's energy independence, will benefit from financial coverage. Members of the two governments showed interest in developing Romanian investments in various economic sectors in Moldova.

Health and environment projects will also be financed, as well as funds for repairing kindergartens will also be supplemented. Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta said that the most popular project in Moldova financed by the Romanian government – construction and repairing of kindergartens, would continue by earmarking 5 million euros in the months to come.

The officials also addressed the development of health sector, by expanding SMURD emergency service in Moldova and investments for dialysis centres in main hospitals. The sides also agreed on the need to increase the quality of Moldovan products, so that these to comply with the European standards and become competitive on the EU market. In this respect, investment projects in order to modernise the agricultural sector will be developed. At the same time, they discussed the joint mechanisms to promote Moldovan and Romanian products on foreign markets

The officials also signed a Technical Cooperation Memorandum in military standardisation between the Moldovan and Romanian Defence Ministries, in order to support and modernise Moldova's National Army.

Prime Minister Valeriu Strelet thanked the Romanian government for the interest shown in Moldova's development and support provided to implement the European agenda. „The today meeting confirms that we indeed may give substance and new valencies to the bilateral dialogue, so that these to meet social and economic needs, but they also oblige us to undertake pragmatic and decisive actions in the future. Thank you once again for the unconditional and constant support provided to Moldova,” Strelet said.

The agreement on implementation of technical assistance and financial agreements between the Moldovan and Romanian governments, based on 100-million-euro-worth non-refundable financial aid, was signed in Bucharest on 27 April 2010. On the basis of this document, Romania implements projects which contribute to develop infrastructure, education, emergencies and energy sectors in Moldova. On 2011-2014, of those 100 million euros 37.19 million euros were used in order to implement projects in energy, education areas, as well as emergency aid if natural disasters.

(Editor A. Raileanu)