For the first time, the Netherlands is represented in the Republic of Moldova by its Prime Minister. At the same time, the two states have established close and developing cooperation relations and support each other at international level, President Maiei Sandu and the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who is in Chisinau on a visit, stated in a news conference after a bilateral meeting, IPN reports.
“It is a special occasion for resetting the political dialogue and strengthening the bilateral relations so as to lay the basis of a strong partnership in the future, in important areas for our citizens,” said President Sandu, underlining the importance of the support of a founding member of the European Union for which the political, civic and economic freedoms are values that the Republic of Moldova also supports.
At governmental level, the Dutch people assisted the Moldovans in developing the human rights, good governance and democracy, independent press, justice and the rule of law. Different initiatives launched by Dutch civic or charitable organizations materialized in social projects for the people or in small business that created jobs in our country.
As to the bilateral cooperation prospects, Maia Sandu underlined the interest in fighting cybercrime and strengthening the skills of rescuers and firefighters and also in developing agriculture, renewable energy and other sectors in which the Netherlands has experience and special results. She asked the Dutch authorities to support the official Chisinau in the relations with the EU, including in obtaining a differentiated approach to the Eastern Partnership countries, with emphasis on cooperation with the Associated Trio.
Even if 153 enterprises with Dutch capital work in Moldova’s IT, agrifood, real estate and building sector, the unrealized potential is great. Maia Sandu invited the Dutch business community to Moldova, assuring that effort is made to create a friendly business environment here, with guarantees that the investors will work in a safe, correct and equitable environment. A Moldovan-Dutch business forum is to be held this May
“We developed excellent cooperation relations in time, but we should do more. We would like to assist in the reformation of the economy, justice, including as part of the implementation of the Association Agreement of the Republic of Moldova with the EU,” said Prime Minister Mark Rutte. He noted that the reforms from the Moldovan Government’s work agenda are crucial for the prosperity of the Republic of Moldova. They will bring investments, will foster economic activity. “We will provide assistance in reforming the justice sector and fighting corruption, will offer Moldova resources and experience for reforming and extending the capacities of the legal system, but time is needed for the reforms to produce results,” stated the official.
