Moldova, Turkey interested in expanding bilateral relations

Chisinau, 9 August /MOLDPRES/- Moldovan government appreciates the advanced stage of the Moldovan-Turkish relations and is interested in deepening them by expanding bilateral cooperation in various fields. Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Tudor Ulianovschi made the statement at a meeting with new Ambassador of Turkey to Moldova Gürol Sökmensüer, the MAEIE’s press service has reported.

The officials exchanged views on the current stage of bilateral relations and appreciated their development especially following the entry into force on 1 November 2016 of the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries and its impact on promotion of trade between them, development of economic relations between the two countries, removal of barriers to trade, especially for domestic producers and expanding trade exchange, as well as creating conditions for continued investment attraction.

Ulianovschi appreciated the financial and technical support from the government of Ankara, through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), over 25 million dollars for implementation of projects in the areas of healthcare, education, environment, etc.

Referring to expanding the bilateral dialogue, the Moldovan diplomat said that the Moldovan authorities have started the procedure to negotiate a bilateral agreement with the government in Ankara on the movement of both states under identity cards.

For his part, Gürol Sökmensüer reiterated Turkey's mutual interest in deepening bilateral relations with Moldova in all sectors, especially in the commercial field by developing investment projects with the participation of the business environment of both states. In this context, the Turkish diplomat said that the establishment of a commercial service within the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Turkey, with an office in Istanbul, will be an important step in expanding the bilateral dialogue.

The sides approached several issues of mutual interest including the regional situation, cooperation in various international organisations etc.