Moldovan president meets top EU official

Chisinau, 22 October /MOLDPRES/ - President Nicolae Timofti today received European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom, on a visit to Moldova, to mark the first anniversary of the signing of the Moldova-European Union Association Agreement, the presidential press service has reported.

The discussions were focused on the stage of reforms in Moldova and the need to continue them, in order to advance on the European agenda. "We know the fragile political situation  in Moldova, yet the reforms must continue. The fight against corruption, clarifying aspects concerning the bank crisis will lead to a more intense cooperation with the European Union, creation of a friendly environment for investments,"  Cecilia Malmstrom said.   

Also, the EU commissioner assured President Timofti that the European Union would remain the partner, supporter and friend of Moldova in the European integration process. 

In the context, President Nicolae Timofti voiced hope that the present pro-European coalition would focus on the objectives of Moldova's European integration and the reforms would continue. 

"The current political situation does not help us concentrate and follow the European integration goals; yet, Moldova has no prospects without close relations with the European Union," the president said. 

The officials also discussed effects of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) for the Transnistrian region. 

Moldova signed the Association Agreement with the European Union on 27 June 2014. On 2 July 2014, the Moldovan parliament ratified the Agreement and started enforcing this accord, including DCFTA, beginning with 1 September 2014.

(Editor A. Raileanu)