Moldovan foreign minister meets Portuguese counterpart in New York

Chisinau, 25 September /MOLDPRES/- Moldova is interested in deepening and diversifying mutually advatageous relations with Portugal by strengthening political dialogue, boosting economic, cultural, academic, scientific relations. Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Tudor Ulianovschi made the statement at a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic Augusto Santos Silva in New York, the MAEIE’s press service has reported.

Ulianovschi said that during the 25 years of diplomatic relations, the dialogue between Moldova and Portugal developed and deepened on an ascending line, being anchored in the friendship and collaboration ties between the two states.

The Moldovan official noted that the authorities highly appreciate Portugal’s support for Moldova in getting closer to the EU. He said that the country is still relying on Lisbon’s important support for the achievement of its strategic goal –European integration.

“Cooperation and friendship between our countries is not limited to the bilateral level, they are also extended to the international organizations in beneficial cooperation, which we want to give continuity,” he said.

The Portuguese official pointed out “Portugal fully supports the idea of giving the European integration perspective for Moldova in line with the progress made in the implementation of the Association Agreement ".

Referring to the trade-economic cooperation between the two states, the officials found that, despite positive developments, the sides do not make the most of their potential. In the context, they agreed to boost cooperation at the commercial-economic level, including by strengthening the bilateral legal framework, setting direct contacts between Moldovan and Portuguese companies, diversifying collaborative partnerships, participating in economic forums, exhibitions and fairs organized by both countries.

In this context, Ulianovschi asked the Portuguese side to boost negotiations on the draft agreement on economic cooperation between Moldova and Portugal, as the signing of this document will create favorable conditions to improve trade exchanges between the two countries.

According to Augusto Santos Silva, an important role in boosting Moldovan-Portuguese trade and economic relations comes to cooperation partnerships at the level of local public authorities, which could help improve the relations between the small and medium enterprises of the two countries, the exchange of experience, better mutual understanding. He also said that an important factor contributing to rapprochement between our countries is the Moldovan community established in Portugal, which, thanks to the favorable conditions offered by the Lisbon authorities, has successfully integrated into Portuguese society.

At the end of the meeting, the Portuguese minister invited his Moldovan counterpart to pay an official visit to Lisbon.