Moldovan deputy premier, British ambassador discuss bilateral relations

Chisinau, 29 March /MOLDPRES/ - Deputy Prime Minister Gheorghe Balan today received Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Moldova Philip Batson, the Bureau for Reintegration has reported.

The meeting was a good occasion for the sides to make a review of the bilateral Moldova-UK relations and express mutual interest in the promotion of the political dialogue and extending cooperation in sectors of common interest. 

A special subject on the agenda represented problems related to the Transnistrian settlement.

Gheorghe Balan informed the diplomat about the latest developments in the negotiating process, results of the working meetings by political representatives in the Transnistrian settlement process on behalf of Chisinau and Tiraspol, held this year. Balan also informed the British ambassador on preparations for a forthcoming visit to Moldova by representatives in the 3+2 format and actions taken by the Moldovan authorities to continue the five-plus-two talks.   

At the same time, the deputy prime minister appreciated the substantial support provided by the United Kingdom to Moldova on the way of implementing the political and economic reforms. Gheorghe Balan stressed the importance of the technical and financial assistance provided within projects meant to strengthen confidence between the residents from both banks of Dniester. 

Referring to the future cooperation, the sides agreed to continue the work started within the previous initiatives and consider possibility of initiating new joint projects, aimed at consolidating the institutional capacities in the field of Moldova’s reintegration and getting methodical support for sectoral working groups.

Gheorghe Balan thanked the ambassador and the diplomatic mission he leads for active involvement in the development of the bilateral partnership.  

For his part, Ambassador Philip Batson appreciated the evolution of the Moldovan-British relations, highlighting the efforts taken by Moldova on the road of democratic development and reintegration. The diplomat gave assurances that the United Kingdom, along with other international partners, would continue providing Moldova with the needed support.  

(Editor M. Jantovan)