Greece to further support Moldova's European integration

Chisinau, 11 October /MOLDPRES/ - The development of the bilateral political, commercial and economic dialogue, boosting the partnerships between the  legislative, governmental institutions, business, academic environments and civil society will contribute to the deepening of the relations between Moldova and Greece. Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Tudor Ulianovschi and Deputy Parliament Speaker of Greece Marios Georgiadis made statements to this effect at a meeting in Athens today, the Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry’s public diplomacy, strategic communication and media interaction service has reported.    

At the meeting, Tudor Ulianovschi and Marios Georgiadis exchanged opinions on the evolution of the Moldovan-Greek ties, agenda of the political dialogue and on the commercial and economic dimension. The two officials noted that, since the establishment of the diplomat relations till present, the bilateral ties between Moldova and Greece had witnessed a harmonious development and a level of cooperation on the rise.  

In the context, the Moldovan diplomacy head stressed the interest of Moldova’s authorities in extending and deepening the Moldovan-Greek relations on all dimensions, including by backing efforts aimed at achieving the country’s sustainable development goals, carrying out the objectives within the Association Agreement Moldova - EU and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). “Moldova has firmly embarked on the European road, getting the liberalized visa regime for its citizens and signing the Association Agreement, which includes DCFTA, namely during the EU presidency of Greece. This fact represents another materialization of the important support on behalf of Greece for Moldova’s advancement on the European way, as well as a reaffirmation received with gratitude of the traditional support our country enjoys on behalf of the Hellenic state,” Minister Tudor Ulianovschi said.  

Referring to the cooperation in the legislative sector, Tudor Ulianovschi appreciated the advanced level of the legal framework between the two states, highlighting the signing at present of 24 bilateral treaties and the negotiation of another nine ones. At the same time, the Moldovan diplomacy head asked for support of the Greek deputy parliament speaker for the soonest resumption of the talks on the bilateral agreement in the social security sector, which is of major importance for the community of Moldovan citizens who are settled or work in Greece.   

For his part, Deputy Parliament Speaker Marios Georgiadis reiterated the Greek authorities’ support for Moldova’s European way and projects on the country’s sustainable development, initiated by the Moldovan cabinet. He expressed confidence that the extension and deepening of the bilateral relations would bring benefits to both states and their citizens.  

„As a partner state, Greece has been close to Moldova since the signing of the Association Agreement with EU, by providing every needed support to achieve the strategic objective of the country’s European integration. Greece will also fully back in continuation the European integration of Moldova,” Marios Georgiadis said in his dialogue with Tudor Ulianovschi.    

Attending the meeting were the head of the parliamentary group of Moldovan-Greek friendship, Nikolaos Yegoumenidis, members of the commissions for foreign police and defence of the Greek parliament.  

Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Tudor Ulianovschi is on a working visit to Greece on 11-12 October.