Moldovan prime minister has meeting with president of Turkey

Chisinau, 17 October /MOLDPRES/ – Turkey has shown interest in investing in the restoration of the Chisinau Circus building. Related to that, there announced today, President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the meeting with Prime Minister, Pavel Filip, which specified that the officials would study the possibility of such an investment, the government's communication and protocol department has reported.

The Head of Executive particularly appreciated the important contribution of Turkish investors to the national economy. "Chisinau Airport – modernised, Medpark Hospital, Radisson Hotel, but also the biggest mall in our country – all are Turkish investments. Throughout these direct investments, Turkish companies and the Government of Turkey have contributed to the development of our country," said PM. Recently, a Turkish company won the contest for the construction of Arena Chisinau.

The Prime Minister also noted the technical assistance provided by Turkey to Moldova throughout the TIKA Agency for the renovation of a section at the Mother and Child Institute and also for other social projects in ATU Gagauzia. Over recent two years, over $33 million has been allocated for it. For the maximum efficiency of development programmes, the Prime Minister mentioned being appropriate to coordinate them with the Ministry of Finance (MF), which is currently responsible for the use of external financial assistance.

The parties also found the increase in trade volumes after the signing of the Free Trade Agreement. In 2017, they recorded an increase of 23 per cent compared to 2016. In this respect, it was highlighted the need to convene the intergovernmental commission for commercial – economic cooperation by the end of 2018.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has confirmed the willingness to do all the necessary steps for trade between Moldova and Turkey to grow as well as Turkish investments in Moldova. In this respect, it was expressed the intention to open Turkish banks in Moldova. "Even if we do not have common borders with Moldova, we consider Moldova a neighbouring country, because we have historical relations. It is also a special country for us, because it hosts Gagauzia, people we consider our fellow countrymen," said the Turkish president.

In order to boost bilateral relations, the Turkish Consulate will be opened in Comrat. PM Pavel Filip has said that the Government pays special attention to the development of ATU Gagauzia, and an action plan for this purpose has been developed. Also, Pavel Filip asked the Turkish president to encourage the Gagauz authorities and ethnic groups to make a greater effort to integrate, including by studying the Romanian language.

The Head of Executive also thanked the Turkish side for the vote in favour of the Resolution on the withdrawal of foreign troops from the territory of Moldova within the UN General Assembly.

The officials have found that dialogue of Moldova and Turkey develops positively; noting that the five agreements signed today will directly contribute to expanding bilateral co – operation in various areas. In this regard, it was welcomed signing the Joint Declaration on the establishment of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council between Moldova and Turkey, where PM Pavel Filip is co – president.