The Italian Republic took over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1. On this occasion, Prime Minster Iurie Leanca sent a congratulation message to his Italian counterpart Matteo Renzi, IPN reports, quoting the Government’s press service.

Iurie Leanca wished Matteo Renzi successful presidency and invited him to visit Chisinau, saying Moldova is now going through a crucial period for its European path. On June 27, the Association Agreement with the EU was signed and is to be ratified soon by the country’s legislature.

Iurie Leanca thanked Matteo Renzi for the support provided by Italy in the process of liberalizing the visa regime for Moldovans and in the negotiation of the Association Agreement.

“My country made considerable progress in implementing its European agenda. The provisional and then comprehensive implementation of the Association Agreement will not only show the irreversibility of the changes taking place in Moldova, but will also increase people’s confidence in our European future,” reads the message.

Italy will hold the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU for six months, until December 31, when it will be taken over by Latvia.