Moldovan president says leadership determined to further develop good partnership relations with Italy

Chisinau, 18 June /MOLDPRES/ - President Maia Sandu today had a meeting with President of Italy Sergio Mattarella, within an official visit paid to Rome, at an invitation by his Italian counterpart, the presidential press service has reported.

„The visit to Rome started with a very good discussion with President of Italy Sergio Mattarella. We referred to the present stage of the bilateral cooperation, the friendship which connects our countries and I expressed determination to further develop good partnership relations with Italy,’’ President Maia Sandu said.   

The officials exchanged opinions on the political situation in Moldova on the electoral period; the head of state stressed that Moldova’s priority was for the ballot to be free and fair. ‘’As for the Covid-19 pandemic, I said that we were relying on the Italian authorities’ openness in the sense of simplification of the conditions of Moldovan citizens’ travels to Italy, including based on a certificate recognized by the EU member states. We also tackled subjects on the regional and European agenda, noting that we rely on Italy’s support in Brussels. In particular, we need support to achieve the goals stimulated in the Association Agreement with the European Union and in strengthening the Eastern Partnership,’’ Maia Sandu said.      

An important subject of the discussion between the two heads of state regarded the communities of Moldovans in Italy, the problems faced by the Diaspora and the way the latter can contribute to the good cooperation between the two countries. In the context, President Maia Sandu thanked for the Italian partners’ effort to finish the negotiation of a document expected by many Moldovan citizens – the agreement in the asocial security sector between Moldova and Italy – and to prepare its signing on the occasion of her visit to Rome.  

„I talked with Mr. Mattarella also about the economic and commercial relations between the two countries, developed during the 29 years since the establishment of the diplomatic relations, as well as the possibility to boost them and extend the sectors of investment interest. More investments mean more jobs, more budgetary contributions, hence, e richer country,’’ the Moldovan president stressed.   

For his part, President Sergio Mattarella gave assurances that he would remain an active backer of Moldova. In the end, the sides agreed on maintaining a dynamic dialogue, on which occasion President Maia Sandu invited her Italian counterpart to visit Moldova.

photo: Presidency