After the meeting held in Germany four months ago, President Maia Sandu met in Chisinau with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. “The frequency of the meetings is a proof of the importance the Republic of Moldova attaches to the relationship with the Federal Republic of Germany and of the support offered by Germany to a country of the Eastern Partnership. The exchange of visits is a powerful signal of the realization of the existing cooperation potential,” it was noted in the joint press briefing of the two Presidents held after their meeting, IPN reports.
Maia Sandu underlined the political and economic support offered by Germany to the Republic of Moldova. She pleaded for continuing the projects, assistance programs and actions that are implemented by Germany in the Republic of Moldova, noting that during the last two decades the value of these rose to €290 million.
Speaking about the preoccupations of the current government, President Maia Sandu mentioned the reform agenda, first of all in justice sector, the fight against corruption and good governance, underlining that Germany’s interest in strengthening security in the Black Sea region is confluent with Moldova’s interest.
In another development, the official stated that starting with next year, the Moldovan citizens will be able to do seasonal work in Germany under social guarantees. It is expected that the Moldovan driver’s licenses will be recognized in Germany and these will be homologated without taking a theoretical exam.
For his part, Frank-Walter Steinmeier made reference to his first visit to Chisinau as a minister of foreign affairs. “I ascertained a new start, élan and dynamics that Germany wants to support. The EU needs stable and prosperous Eastern neighborhood, while the reforms in Moldova are probably the most courageous example in the whole region. We consider ourselves a partner and advocate of Moldova,” said the President of Germany.
Referring to the delegation of businessmen that is accompanying him, Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that about 9,000 jobs were already created in Moldova. In November, there will be discussed such projects as waste management and the supply of drinking water. “I brought with me a small package of about €10 million through which we will provide expertise as to the development of reforms in the public sector, ensuring of energy security, the health system, cooperation at regional level,” noted the German official.
Answering the question put by a journalist, Frank-Walter Steinmeier denied that Belgium, Germany and Italy are on the way to propose annulling the free-visa regime for Moldovans in the EU and reintroducing the visa regime owing to the large number of persons who seek political asylum in these countries. “I read that message with surprise. I informed myself and learned that it was fake news, not real news,” stated the Germany official.
