The Russian company Gazprom is interested in joining projects for prospecting Moldova’s gas and oil reserves, Russian Premier Victor Zubkov told his Moldovan counterpart Vasile Tarlev, who is on a one-day visit to Moscow. According to a press release from the Moldovan Government, the collocutors saluted the positive dynamics of the Moldo-Russian relations, pleading for boosting cooperation in all the areas of mutual interest. In particular, it was agreed to develop a mid-term bilateral cooperation programme covering the period until 2020. At the same time, the Russian Prime Minister stated that his country opts for the settlement of the Transnistrian issue in the framework of the present negotiation format, on the basis of respect for Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The collocutors also agreed to organise this year the Days of the Russian Culture in Chisinau, an event that would strengthen friendship and trust between the peoples of both countries. In addition, Zubkov expressed the readiness of the Russian Government to increase the number of scholarships for Moldovan students. In this connection, the two officials agreed on the need for a cooperation programme in the humanitarian area for 2008-2009. Vasile Tarlev also met with Moscow Mayor Yuri Lujkov. The collocutors discussed the opportunity of starting joint investment projects in various areas, in particular in the energy sector, infrastructure, transport and the social sphere. In the context of the economy liberalisation reform which is underway in Moldova, Vasile Tarlev highlighted the opportunity of establishing new Moldo-Russian joint ventures, involving businesses from Moscow. For this purpose, a group of experts from the Moscow City Hall will pay a working visit to Moldova in March. Lujkov also said Moscow is interested in purchasing Moldovan agrifood products to meet the high demands of the city. In 2007 the volume of trade exchange between Moldova and the Russian capital amounted to 604 million US dollars, increasing by 148 million on the previous year.