At the end of their terms, President Nicolae Timofti and his Bulgarian counterpart Rosen Plevneliev conferred state awards on each other in a bilateral meeting in Chisinau. The heads of state spoke about the quality of the Moldovan-Bulgarian relations and the development prospects, IPN reports.

Nicolae Timofti said the relations between the two nations are marked by warm feelings of friendship built during centuries. The officials also discussed the situation in the region and the election of new Presidents in Moldova and Bulgaria. “Bulgaria also held presidential elections two days ago. The period when President Plevnelie pays the visit is profoundly symbolical. By our meeting today, we want to pass on our traditional friendship to the new Presidents. I’m convinced that regardless of the political affiliation of our Presidents and governments, the bilateral relations will always be excellent,” stated Nicolae Timofti.

He also said that as a member of the European Union, Bulgaria continuously suppors the European integration efforts of Moldova and is among the states that ratified first the Association Agreement between Moldova and the EU. Nicolae Timofti expressed his confidence that Bulgaria will remain an active supporter of the Republic of Moldova in the dialogue with the EU institutions.

For his part, Rosen Plevneliev thanked the Moldovan authorities for the effort made until now to keep and develop the ethnic identity of the Bulgarians in Moldova. Bulgaria supports and respects the integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova and does not encourage actions of separatism. “I would like to express my satisfaction because the reforms started in the Republic of Moldova develop. This is a sign of the irreversibility of the European integration process. I hope the European integration process in the Republic of Moldova will continue and we will support you in this regard,” he stated.

Rosen Plevneliev also said that Bulgaria hopes Taraclia will keep its autonomy in case of a territorial- administrative reform and is interested in opening a Bulgarian consulate in Taraclia and a university branch so as to enable Moldovan young people to receive studies of European quality and diplomas recognized in the EU.