Minister for Foreign Affairs Giulio Terzi met today in Rome with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, Iurie Leancă.
The meeting took place in an atmosphere of great cordiality and offered an opportunity to review bilateral relations and examine lines for their future development. The two ministers agreed on the fact that, despite the encouraging results already achieved (Italy is Moldova’s 4th trade partner and 6th source of direct foreign investments), there was still a good deal of room for growth in economic collaboration. To this end, they agreed to encourage meetings between representatives of their respective countries’ business and economic spheres.
Special attention was given to Italy’s large Moldovan community and the various means by which to foster their increased and better integration into our social and economic fabric, among which a series of bilateral accords currently being negotiated or about to be implemented.
With regard to EU themes, Deputy Minister Leancă outlined the significant progress Moldova has made within the framework of the Eastern Partnership and in negotiations under way on an Association Agreement and on global free trade, as well as in the context of the Visa Liberalization Action Plan, confirming the country’s commitment to enacting reforms ahead of the launch of the gradual process of political and economic European integration.
Minister Terzi said he was particularly pleased with these developments and encouraged Moldova to make use of all available instruments in the pursuit of a future European Union membership, assuring Italy’s full and convinced support in this regard.
As for the question of Transnistria, Minister Terzi confirmed our country’s full support for the negotiations under way and for efforts to achieve an agreement based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova.
