Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger inaugurates “Aula Austria” at ULIM

The Embassy of the Republic of Austrian in Moldova together with the Romanian Commercial Bank in Chisinau officially opened the “Aula Austria” (“Austria Lecture Room”) at the Free International University of Moldova (ULIM) on April 9. The opening ceremony was attended by the Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Michael Spindelegger, who is in Chisinau on a visit, Info-Prim Neo reports. The “Aula Austria” will be outfitted with modern equipment such as multimedia, audio and video systems that will facilitate the implementation of the most advanced interactive teaching methods. ULIM rector Andrei Galben said the new Lecture Room will help improve the quality of studies at the university. He spoke about the role played by Austria in history, saying that many Moldovan officials studied the Austro-Hungarian Empire and that Vienna has always been a model for the Moldovans. Michael Spindelegger delivered a speech in front of the students, highlighting the role of quality education in developing the economic environment in Moldova. He praised the Moldovan authorities for their aspirations for European integration, but said steps should be taken to improve such areas as justice and human rights and to ensure political stability. Attending the event, Deputy Foreign Minister of Moldova Natalia Gherman said Austria is a reliable partner that supports the Moldovan authorities in the talks on the Association Agreement with the UE. In a communique, the Romanian Commercial Bank says the opening of the “Aula Austria” at the ULIM represents the bank's first initiative in Chisinau, aimed at supporting the development of higher education and improving the quality of labor force in Moldova.