Moldovan foreign minister meets Finnish counterpart

Chisinau, 13 March /MOLDPRES/ - Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and European Integration Minister Andrei Galbur had discussions with his Finnish counterpart Timo Soini in Helsinki today. The meeting took place in the context of an official visit to Finland by the head of the Moldovan diplomacy, at an invitation by Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister of Finland Timo Soini, the Foreign and European Integration Ministry’s information and media communication service has reported.        

The sides tackled the entire spectrum of Moldova’s relations with Finland and the European Union.

The Moldovan minister thanked the head of the Finnish diplomacy for the support Moldova was receiving from Helsinki in efforts to align with the European  standards. Andrei Galbur stressed that Moldova remained committed on the way of reforms and the proper implementation of the Association Agreement was a top priority for the Moldovan cabinet.  

“The enlivening of the banking system, enhancing the transparency in the energy sector, continuing a pro-active fight against corruption, strengthening the justice and the state based on the rule of law are decisive approaches in the process of Moldova’s modernization,” Galbur noted.    

The officials exchanged opinions on priorities of the next Summit of the Eastern Partnership, due in Brussels, and which will represent a platform of discussions on the further development of the initiative.  

Deputy Prime Minister Timo Soini said that Finland was willing to further back Moldova, including through twinning programmes, aimed at consolidating the institutional capacities and providing support to align with the European standards.   

The visit by Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Galbur takes place in the context of the bilateral foreign policy agenda, as well as of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Moldova and Finland.