Moldova and Georgia signed a joint statement on cooperation in the area of European integration, which envisions regular consultations on European integration, experience exchange in areas of common interest and encouragement of the exchange of visits between journalists and representatives of civil society.  The statement was signed by the foreign ministers of the two states Natalia Gherman and Maia Panjikidze, IPN reports.

According to a communiqué from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, the two officials underlined that the common interests create real preconditions for strengthening the mutually advantageous cooperation.

The ministers also stressed that the commercial-economic relations between Moldova and Georgia have developed over the last few years. Bilateral trade rose by about 160% from 2009 until 2012. The growth trend continues this year as well.

The Georgian foreign minister came to Chisinau to take part in the fifth meeting of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum on October 4-5. Maia Panjikidze also had meetings with President Nicolae Timofti, Head of Parliament Igor Corman, and Prime Minister Iurie Leanca.