The Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is paying a visit to Romania on March 9, in an interview for Hotnews Romania said that by signing the Association Agreement with the European Union, Moldova placed its relationship with the EU on new foundations, IPN reports.

“This accord represents an adequate basis for the Moldovan-European relations and I do not speak now about accession to the EU, but rather about an offer to Chisinau for a more profound cooperation with the EU and for Moldova’s modernization,” stated Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

He also said that Germany wants to firmly support Moldova in its reformation efforts and in dealing with the difficult Transnistrian conflict. He underlined that Germany has taken part in the Transnistrian conflict settlement talks in the 5+2 format for a long period of time and will continue to do so.

The visit by the German foreign minister to Romania is made shortly after Romanian President Klaus Iohannis had visited Berlin.