Moldovan, Italian officials approach cooperation

Chisinau, March 15 / MOLDPRES /- Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration held a meeting today with Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio, on a visit to Chisinau.

According to the MAEIE press service, during the talks, diplomats reiterated their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders and called for an immediate end to the Russian Federation's aggression against the neighboring country.

"We have mentioned that in these three decades of diplomatic relations, our countries have built a close, strategic, friendly relationship based on the European values ​​we share together. We are a European country, a European society, we have a European history and language and our place is in the European Union. I am deeply grateful to my Italian friends for their full support of our European aspirations, "said Popescu.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed appreciation for Italy's solidarity with our people in these difficult times, noting that since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, more than 300,000 refugees have entered Moldova and there are currently more than 100,000 refugees on our territory, a high figure compared to our country, representing 4% of the population of the Republic of Moldova.

"This solidarity through support has, of course, a political dimension, which is why we have signed a joint declaration with the Minister between our governments, expressing the determination to work together on medical, psychological and legal assistance to refugees. to strengthen the international asylum system as well as to improve the assistance and registration capabilities at the border ", added the Moldovan official.

At the same time, the head of diplomacy in Chisinau thanked for the humanitarian aid of over 19 tons with basic necessities that arrived in the Republic of Moldova: tents, blankets, sleeping bags, tent heaters, generators and others. The Moldovan official also referred to Italy's financial support through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Red Cross, as well as Italy's contribution to the Migration Fund, funding to help the authorities manage this humanitarian crisis.

Minister Nicu Popescu informed his Italian counterpart that the Government will continue to implement reforms internally, increase the resilience of public institutions, accelerate justice reform, improve the business environment, and support and promote mutual respect and cohesion in society. The parties also discussed the identification of new opportunities for economic cooperation, the strengthening of business partnerships. Currently, Italy is one of the most important trading partners of the Republic of Moldova, the trade between the two countries amounting to about 600 million euros and the desire was expressed to increase its value.

"We also discussed the very important role that our diaspora in Italy plays. There is no family in the Republic of Moldova that would not have relatives in Italy and this connection between our societies is the strongest connection that two states can have ", said Popescu.

During the meeting, officials also discussed the possibility of eliminating roaming charges, as well as the next steps to be taken for the social security agreement to enter into force. This agreement was signed in June 2021, and on March 10, the Italian Council of Ministers approved the document, which will be ratified by the Italian legislature.

The Chisinau Foreign Minister also stressed that Moldova and Italy have active cooperation in various fields: home affairs, culture, justice, social protection, technology and research, mentioning contacts between people and communities as the closest.

"For hundreds of thousands of Moldovan citizens, Italy has become a second homeland, created families and built lives divided between the two countries. Many Italian citizens are present and active in our society. These connections between people and the cultural similarities between us will continue to inspire us and bring our countries closer to our irreversible path to the European Union, defining the next decades of diplomatic relations ", said Popescu.

Photo: MAEIE