The Republic of Moldova and Macedonia should develop the commercial and economic relations that are now rather modest. In this regard, an agreement should be signed to reciprocally protect the investments and an intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation should be set up, President Igor Dodon stated in a news conference given together with his Macedonian counterpart Gjorge Ivanov, who is in Chisinau on an official visit, IPN reports.

President Dodon said the commercial exchanges between the two states are regrettably at a very low level, of only several million lei a year. Thus, besides the agreements that should be signed, the dialogue between nongovernmental institutions should also be stepped up so as to facilitate communication between businessmen from the two countries. Moldova could learn from Macedonia’s experience as the two states have very good cooperation prospects in the wine industry and the tourism sector.

According to Igor Dodon, the regional cooperation between Moldova and Macedonia is reflected by the mutual support within regional and international organizations. First of all, the fruitful dialogue as part of the South- East European Cooperation Process is due to the fact that Macedonia is a reliable partner with a consistent, responsible and predictable policy.

The President of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov said there is a great commercial potential between Moldova and Macedonia that can be developed. “Trade is now rather symbolic and I hope the commercial and economic exchanges will increase when the legal framework is adjudged and the agreements are signed,” he stated.

The official noted the two states should have a dialogue and exchange experience, especially as regards solutions to the problem of migration of young people and how to motivate them to remain at home. Each country should find solutions to their political crises as no one will do this for them. “We should together go towards the future. When we are focused more on problems of the past we forget about the problems of the future,” he said.

Gjorge Ivanov invited his Moldovan counteract to pay an official visit to Macedonia. Igor Dodon said he accepts the invitation, but will most probably make the visit in the second half of next year given the election campaigns in Moldova and Macedonia.