Moldovan, German officials approach reforms, cooperation

Chisinau, 8 March /MOLDPRES/- Parliament Speaker Andrian Candu met President of the German Bundestag Norbert Lammert on 7 March. They discussed the relaunch of political dialogue and reforms implemented by Moldova to strengthen institutions and develop country, the parliament’s communication and public relations department has reported.

Candu informed his German counterpart about the reforms on the country’s modernization, determination of majority in parliament and government to implement the commitments made at the signing of the Association Agreement, as well as obtaining a programme with the International Monetary Fund in 2016. Also, the speaker assured Lammert of continuing the integration path into the EU.

“We want you to have more opportunities, and the road to the EU be shorter for Moldova”, Lammert said. He said Germany was interested in developing the EU neighboring states and welcomed the authorities’ determination to continue reforms in Moldova. The official underlined importance of political stability to meet goals of the European agenda.

The speaker thanked the German official for supporting the country, including the sustainable economic development and financing different projects, as well as for scholarships provided to Moldovan young people.

Also, the speaker had a meeting with diaspora in Berlin and discussed the reform agenda and revision of electoral legislation to ensure access of all Moldovan citizens to vote.

The official tackled the Association Agreement and Free Trade Agreement with EU, as well as issues related to the regional security, reforms and economic development during a meeting organized by President of German-Moldovan Forum Fritz Felgentreu jointly with Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Berlin and Dr. Gernot Erler, MP and coordinator in Bundestag for cooperation with Russia and Eastern Partnership. Managing director at Berlin Economics Ricardo Giucci presented major risks that may carry a possible change of course of foreign policy and the negative impact that might have an eventual review of the Free Trade Agreement, according to insistence of politicians. The speaker assured that the government was determined to continue the European integration path despite certain statements of the opposition.

Candu pays a working visit to Germany on 7-9 March. He will have meetings with Vice-President of the German Bundestag Ulla Schmidt, representatives of parliamentary commission on European affairs, commission on foreign policy, as well as with representatives of German government.