The leaders of the political bloc ACUM say they discussed with Dmitri Kozak, Russia’s deputy prime minister and special presidential envoy, about the political situation in Moldova and about the need to improve economic and trade relations with Russia on the basis of reciprocity. This was praised by the European partners as a display of political maturity, ACUM representatives told a press conference.

ACUM/DA co-president Andrei Năstase said the meeting took place after the bloc’s representatives already met with EU and US senior officials, who also visited Chisinau yesterday, and also after Kozak had met with the Socialist and the Democratic parliamentary groups. The discussions focused mainly on trade and economic relations between Moldova and Russia, which according to Năstase are deficient lately.

During the meeting, the bloc’s representatives reiterated that ACUM is a pro-European force that is committed to implementing the Association Agreement with the EU and that seeks closer cooperation within the Eastern Partnership and with Romania. “We talked about how we look at things that consolidate our society rather than at those that divide us. We also talked about propaganda and how it hurts Moldovans”, said Năstase.

ACUM/PAS co-president Maia Sandu revealed that another issue discussed was the Transnistrian settlement and how foreign troops and ammunition must be withdrawn from Moldovan territory. “We trenchantly stated that we are against the federalization solution”, she added.

Dmitri Kozak yesterday met with President Igor Dodon, the parliamentary groups of the Democrats and of the Socialists, and with the Democratic Party leader Vlad Plahotniuc. Today the Russian official is on a visit to Tiraspol.