Moldova interested in deepening bilateral relations with China

Chisinau, 18 July /MOLDPRES/ - Moldova is interested in the development of the bilateral relations with China, turning them into a qualitatively new strategic partnership, which will allow extending the cooperation, especially in the social and economic sectors, fields of culture and economic diplomacy. Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Tudor Ulianovschi has made statements to this effect at a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Moldova Zhang Yinghong, the Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry’s (MAEIE) press service has reported.   

The Moldovan diplomacy head said that one step in the concerned direction represented the launch of talks on the signing of a free trade agreement between Moldova and China, which will allow also extending the commercial and economic ties. “In the context, the Moldovan authorities submitted to the Chinese side proposals on cooperation for 2018, so that the negotiations on the free trade agreement be advanced, with the next round due to be held in Beijing in late July,” Tudor Ulianovschi said.   

The foreign affairs minister also said that Moldova’s authorities were efficiently cooperating with the government of China, in the context of implementation of the Chinese Silk Road Economic Belt Initiative. “We deem this initiative of China of great importance and opportunity and we express willingness to participate in investment and infrastructure projects carried out under the aegis of the Silk Road,” Tudor Ulianovschi said.  

In the context, Ambassador Zhang Yinghong reiterated the Chinese authorities’ interest in deepening the bilateral relations both through carrying out bilateral projects, under implementation, and through initiating new programmes on cooperation in economy, energy sector, infrastructure, information technologies, etc. “The present legal framework between China and Moldova creates all premises for the development and fostering of the bilateral relations, their advancement to a new level,” the Chinese diplomat said.  

Moldova and China have signed 61 cooperation agreements in various sectors, including the commercial and economic collaboration, mutual protection of investments, avoidance of double taxation on taxes on income and capital, air services, consular field, youth, education, tourism, health, culture, etc. One of these accords is a joint declaration on the further consolidation of the multidimensional cooperation in the 21st century and an agreement on material assistance provided by the People’s Republic of China.