Slovakia encourages Moldova to continue implementing reforms within provisions of EU Association Agreement

Chisinau, 08 November /MOLDPRES/ – The bilateral relations of Moldova and Slovakia have witnessed a strong dynamic of cooperation during the 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Moldova being interested in their deepening in perspectives. A statement in this regard was made by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Lukáš Parízek, during a meeting with head of Moldovan diplomats, Tudor Ulianovschi, the MAEIE’s public diplomacy, strategic communication and media interaction service has reported.

In the course of the dialogue, Tudor Ulianovschi and Lukáš Parízek appreciated excellent bilateral relations and active political dialogue based on support and trust among Moldova and Slovakia, also exchanging ideas upon development of cooperation in multiple areas of mutual interest, including by boosting commercial – economic activity.

In this context, Minister Tudor Ulianovschi reiterated his gratitude for the financial and technical assistance provided by the Slovak Government, including for the micro – grant programme, supported by the Slovak Aid Agency, aimed at the development of the various regions of Moldova and support of certain sectors. On this issue, Lukáš Parízek has specified that Moldova will remain one of the two priority states of the Slovak Republic in the new Programme of Assistance for 2019 – 2023.

The interlocutors exchanged views on Moldova – EU dialogue, the work of Moldova in the Eastern Partnership and preparing for the marking of its 10th anniversary, cooperation within regional and international organisations, highlighting the important role of the Visegrad group in support of the European integration process. In this way, the Slovak diplomat encouraged Moldova to continue implementing the reforms in line with the EU Association Agreement.

Highlighting the role that Slovakia will play as OSCE president during 2019, the parties addressed pragmatic issues regarding the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, also discussing security in the region. In the context, Moldova was encouraged to continue the dialogue in the 5+2 format, being supported by this process during the mandate of the Slovak presidency at the OSCE.

At the end of the meeting, the parties signed the Protocol on the exchange of instruments for ratification to the Treaty between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic on legal assistance and relations in civil, family and criminal matters, signed in Moscow on 12 August 1982.