Moldovan president to pay official visit to Turkey

Chisinau, 23 December /MOLDPRES/ – Moldovan President, Igor Dodon, on Monday, has met with a delegation of Turkish MPs, led by Mehmet Altay, head of Moldovan – Turkish friendship parliamentary group, the presidency’s press service has reported.

In the dialogue, Igor Dodon has mentioned the advanced level of bilateral relations and pleaded for upward pace of Moldovan – Turkish strategic dialogue. The head of state has emphasised that Turkey is one of the most important trading partners of Moldova and upon the intention that economy of Moldova to remain an attractive destination for Turkish business.

Also, President of Moldova has appreciated financial and technical assistance granted to Moldova through the Turkish Agency for Cooperation and Coordination (TIKA), especially in Gagauzia, which over recent years has allocated over $33 mln for implementation of projects in more priority areas, such as healthcare, education, environmental protection, etc.

In the context, Igor Dodon has specified that it is an important day today for Moldova, namely marking 25 years since the approval of the Law on the special legal status of Gagauzia. The head of state has reiterated the special role of Turkey, namely the then President, Süleyman Demirel, in regulating the crisis situation of early 1990s, in Gagauzia.

Following the discussion, President of Moldova has informed the members of the delegation about his official visit to Turkey, on 29 – 30 December, during which it is planned to organise a Forum of Moldovan – Turkish businessmen and hold Ist meeting of the Council of strategic cooperation (CCS) at high level.