Moldovan, Romanian governments to hold joint meeting in 2017

Chisinau, 24 March /MOLDPRES/- The governments from Chisinau and Bucharest will convene in a joint meeting during this year in Moldova. Premiers of the two states Pavel Filip and Sorin Grindeanu made the statement on 23 March, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.

The officials noted that the talks had been open, sincere and constructive. In the context, Filip pointed out the very good political dialogue between the sides and bilateral cooperation in many areas of common interest, including the strategic partnership in terms of Moldova’s European integration.

“Moldova remains firmly committed to achieving our strategic project – consistent implementation of reforms seen in the Association Agreement with EU. Moldova is still keeping the West as country project. The truth is that regardless of presidential positions of Chisinau, the Constitution gives more power to parliament and government, thus our relation will not change, as it will not change anything in our European option”, Filip said.

At the same time, Filip appreciated the support provided by Romania, including refundable loan amounting to 150 million euros, which was help and a gesture of confidence in moments of utmost importance. “Our relation is strengthened optimally through concrete projects, and today we talked about increasing the cooperation in energy, culture and other key-sectors, customs or infrastructure. We have projects initiated and uncompleted, it is important now to focus on good governance in the interest of citizens of both countries. This dialogue means consolidation of a large European fraternity”, he said.

At the same time, Grindeanu said that Romania would further back Moldova in its European integration by successfully completing the ongoing projects and identifying new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. “We will back actions of stabilisation and consolidation of institutional frameworks in Chisinau”, he said.

Grindeanu noted that it was following a period of consolidation of Romanian investments in Moldova, including through participation of Romanian businessmen in the privatization process due to be launched by the Moldovan authorities. “It is time for concrete actions, the reform process must be speeded up and further actions of Moldova’s European integration – consolidated”, he said.

The officials especially referred to the gas pipeline expansion project Iasi-Ungheni till Chisinau. In the context, Filip announced the European Commission’s decision to increase the grant provided to carry out this project from 10 million to 40 million euros. The two premiers have expressed confidence that the pipeline could be built by late 2018, if the efforts are strengthened.