Moldova interested in developing collaboration relations with Canada

Chisinau, 06 March /MOLDPRES/ – Moldova is interested in strengthening the Moldovan – Canadian political dialogue, intensifying bilateral trade exchanges and capitalising on export and investment opportunities between Moldova and Canada. Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Tudor Ulianovschi, made this statement today during a meeting with Ambassador of Canada in Moldova, Kevin Hamilton, the MAEIE’s public diplomacy, strategic communication and media interaction service has reported.

According to Minister Ulianovschi, the political dialogue consolidation can be achieved by diversifying agenda of high – level bilateral contacts and developing communication between the institutions of Moldova and Canada, including by exchanging visits of officials from two countries. In this context, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said that an important step in the development of bilateral relations would be signing of the Agreement for promotion and protection of foreign investments between two states, which is ready for signing and could be signed during a high – level visit. On this occasion, Tudor Ulianovschi launched an invitation to his Canadian counterpart, Chrystia Freeland, to pay an official visit to Moldova.

Referring to the intensification of trade and economic exchanges, head of Moldovan diplomacy specified an appropriate framework for generating an increased interest of Canadian business towards new outlets in EU neighbourhood being entry into force of the Canada – EU Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) and Canada – Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), as well as implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU by Moldova.

"We enjoy ever – increasing visibility of Moldova in Canada, our country being increasingly viewed in a single Eastern European context, where states with an advanced level of cooperation with EU within the Eastern Partnership have a common heritage of past and faces similar problems and challenges. We welcome willingness of Canadian party to develop a common strategy towards these countries," said Minister Ulianovschi.

The head of Moldovan diplomacy expressed gratitude to Government in Ottawa for assistance to Moldova through Canadian Fund for the development of local initiatives, contributing to enhancement of participatory role of public and non – governmental associations in social – economic processes in Moldova.

At his turn, Ambassador Kevin Hamilton appreciated efforts of the authorities in Chisinau within process of reforming and modernising of Moldova, promoting a consistent policy in the process of implementing the Association Agreement with EU, bilateral relations with other states, including Canada, expressing support by Government in Ottawa and interest of Canada in further deepening of bilateral relations. "We appreciate the efficiency and mechanism for conducting consultations between our states on all dimensions, which allows us to intensify dialogue and coordinate positions of both sides on various themes on bilateral agenda," said Canadian diplomat.

Starting from numerous presence of Moldovan community in Canada, interlocutors exchanged views on initiation of discussions on a bilateral agreement on social security of the citizens of Moldova established in Canada.

The diplomatic relations between Moldova and Canada were established on 20 February 1992.