Moldovans from 31 countries came together for the fourth Congress of the Moldovan Diaspora in Chisinau on October 12. Leaders and members of public associations of the diaspora and representatives of initiative groups came to Chisinau to discuss the problems faced by the Moldovans living abroad and the reforms that should be implemented in Moldova to make them feel the care of the state, Info-Prim Neo reports. In his address to the delegates to the Congress, Acting President Mihai Ghimpu said the Moldovans who are abroad were the first to open the door to the European Union. “I never though a day will come when instead of building a decent life here, we will have to go to work abroad. A large part of our people went to look for a better life, while others remained at home and live in poverty,” he said, adding that the most important thing now is to obtain a visa-free regime so that the Moldovans travel freely. Prime Minister Vlad Filat, who headed the organizational committee of the fourth Congress of the Moldovan Diaspora, said this event is a new start. “Together we managed to join our efforts and give prospects to the country. Many positive things have happened this year. Not all the results are noticeable, but we must appreciate the trends. We have yet a lot to do and will make effort to implement all the planned strategies,” he said. Serafim Florea, the representative of the Moldovan community in the UK, left Moldova six years ago and went abroad to study. “I had scholarships abroad, I finished two faculties and remained there in order to learn from the experience of the Western countries. I hope I can return to a new, democratic Moldova,” the young man said. He stressed the Moldovan administration should reduce the prices of civil documents, especially travel documents, and should negotiate lower consular taxes. Vitalie Ciobanu, the head of the Rome-based association “Dacia”, said the Moldovans in Italy aim to improve Moldova's image. “We devote time and energy to promoting the spiritual values in which we believe,” he said, adding the Moldovans abroad need to be swiftly informed about the legislative changes implemented and need meetings with Moldovan lawmakers. Alina Dudko, the head of the immigrants association “Kalina” based in Porto, said there are about 40,000 Moldovans in Portugal, who need state support in education, social sphere, legal system and other areas. The fourth Congress of the Moldovan Diaspora will last for two days. The event is attended by over 100 persons. The previous Congress was held in 2008.