Implementation of EU-Moldova Association Agreement as major priority for Moldovan authorities - foreign minister says

Chisinau, 16 October /MOLDPRES/- Implementation of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement remains a major priority for the Moldovan authorities, both at bilateral cooperation with the European Union and multilateral interaction within the Eastern Partnership (EaP). Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Tudor Ulianovschi made the statement at a yesterday’s ministerial meeting of EaP with the participation of foreign ministers of the EU member states, the six partner countries and senior EU officials, in Luxembourg, the MAEIE’s press service has reported.

Referring to the country's strategic goal - European integration and cooperation with community structures, Ulianovschi highlighted positive developments in the trade with the EU. He also appreciated the results of the informal meeting with the EU and the three associated countries dedicated to DCFTA implementation.

Presenting the goals of multilateral cooperation, Ulianovschi pointed out the importance of deepening connectivity, in particular, of approving the investment plan for the development of the TEN-T transport network, and in the digital area, noted the importance of reducing roaming tariffs between partners and in the future with the EU. He also opted for deepening dialogue on security issues, combating hybrid threats, strengthening cyber security etc.

Referring to the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Eastern Partnership, Ulianovschi supported the idea of organizing a high-level event in 2019, to approve a political document that would launch the reflection on the Partnership outlook for the post-2020 period.

The agenda of the meeting, moderated by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federico Mogherini, focused on progress in implementing the 20 Eastern Partnership goals for 2020 set at the EU- EaP Summit 2017, and drawing common actions to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Eastern Partnership.

On the sidelines of the event, Ulianovschi held a discussion with Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Johannes Hahn on reforms and cooperation with the EU, finding that a more intensive and open dialogue between Moldova and the European Union is needed.