Belgium will assist Moldova in liberalizing trade with EU, Yves Leterme

“The discussions on the liberalization of the visa regime and trade with Moldova were constructive and this is encouraging. The Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union is ready to support these processes and help Moldova make progress during the next six months,” Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme told Radio Moldova after a meeting with Moldovan Premier Vlad Filat, who is in Brussels on a visit, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Belgian official encouraged the Moldovan Premier to continue the reforms in economy. In the meeting, Vlad Filat voiced hope the talks on the deep and comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU will be opened in autumn, Moldova will obtain a road map for the liberalization of the visa regime and the talks on the Association Agreement will continue at the same steady pace. He stressed that the Moldovan laws will continue to be adjusted to the EU legislation and assured that Moldova is a reliable partner. Vlad Filat said Moldova now faces many challenges as referendum is to take place in September, followed by early legislative and presidential elections. The Belgian Premier said the EU backs the Filat Government in its efforts to unlock the political crisis and stressed the importance of the September 5 referendum and the November elections. He approved of the fact that the political leaders in Moldova followed the recommendations of the Venice Commission and decided to overcome the constitutional crisis by holding a referendum and elections, it is said in a communique issued by the Government's press service.