Moldovan, Turkish premiers visit Comrat

Chisinau, 6 May /MOLDPRES/- Prime Minister Pavel Filip and Turkish Premier Binali Yildirim today visited Comrat, the government's communication and protocol department has reported.

The sides approached the bilateral relations, common projects for modernisation of Moldova, especially, of Gagauzia, and perspectives for collaboration.

Filip reiterated the country's interest to consolidate the political dialigue and practical cooperation with Turkey. "We tackled social and economic situation in Gagauzia and expressed determination of Moldovan authorities to draw investments and promote projects of infrastructure and development of social services in Gagauzia. In this respect, we referred to the projects implemented by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination  Agency in the region, especially, in the health, education and environment", Filip said.

Another topic was related to the Moldovan government's firm determination to attract the foreign assistance for modernising economy in Gagauzia, as an example being the European project - Supporting Agriculture and Rural Development by promoting confidence building measures, launched in May 2016. "This project is important for Gagauzia and Taraclia, as it will contribute to economic development of all regions of the country, will provide new opportunities to back local entrepreneurship", he said.

For his part, the Turkish official said that Gagauz ethnicity is a bridge between Moldova and Turkey. "This bidge is not a stone one, but spiritual. The presence of the Gagauz ethnic group on this territory is only to boost the relation between Moldova and Turkey", he said.

Bashkan of Gagauzia Irina Vlah pointed out the special relation of Gagauz ethnicity with the Turkish people. "We speak the same language and we link the same habits. Thank you for your support and active involvement in the implementation of the regional modernisation projects of Gagauzia", she said.

Over 350 regional projects have been implemented with the support of Turkey in Gagauzia so far. In the near future, the hospital in Comrat will be rebuilt and water supply in Vulcanesti will be solved with the support of the Turkish government.