Moldova can count on Romania’s support in its European integration efforts. Moreover, Romania pledged to be the first EU member state that will ratify the Association Agreement between Moldova and the EU after its signing this summer, President of the Senate of Romania Calin Popescu-Tariceanu said after a meeting with Speaker Igor Corman in Chisinau, IPN reports.

“I expected the atmosphere of the discussions to be natural, not only like that between friends, but also like that between people who share a common language and common culture. Romania will offer you full support in the European integration process. I welcome the liberalization of the visa regime with the EU. I’m sure that the Association Agreement will be ratified by the EU member states. Romania committed itself to being the first to ratify it so as to show the support it provides to Moldova on its path to the EU,” stated Calin Popescu-Tariceanu.

He added that the relations between Romania and Moldova are considered privileged. “The advantages enjoyed by the country from its rapprochement with the EU are more visible. I discussed with the leaders of the parliamentary groups that formed the government coalition. I was glad to see that there is a common pro-European front in Moldova,” said President of the Romanian Senate.

For his part, Igor Corman said that this is the first visit by Calin Popescu-Tariceanu as President of the Senate to Moldova. “This visit reveals the very close dialogue between Moldova and Romania, including at parliamentary level. Besides the subjects related to the parliamentary relations, we also discussed Moldova’s European agenda. The signing of the Association Agreement with the EU is now a priority,” he stated, adding that they conferred on the situation in the region as both of the countries are concerned about the developments in Ukraine.

The Romanian official is visiting Chisinau between May 7 and May 8.