Benita Ferrero-Waldner to visit Moldova Feb 14-15

Ahead of her visit the European Commissioner stated that this is a very dynamic moment: Moldova has made significant progress over the last year in moving ahead with its ambitious reform agenda based on the EU-Moldova ENP Action Plan. There have been concluded visa facilitation and readmission agreements which entered into force on 1 January 2008; the world-wide first Common Visa Application Centre has been opened in Chisinau, and the EU adopted a decision on granting additional Autonomous Trade Preferences to Moldova which will enter into force on 1 March. The EU will be ready to start reflections on further strengthening EU-Moldova relations on the basis of a breakthrough in the implementation of the Action Plan, in particular in key areas such as media freedom, the fight against corruption and improvements to the investment climate, the Commissioner said, adding that she strongly supports Moldova’s efforts to come to a settlement of the Transnistria conflict, especially President Voronin’s proposals on confidence-building measures which aim at bringing the people on both sides of the river closer together. While visiting Moldova, Benita Ferrero-Waldner will meet with President Vladimir Voronin, Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev, First Deputy Prime Minister Zinaida Greceanii, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Stratan, Speaker of the Parliament Marian Lupu and Chisinau Mayor Dorin Chirtoaca. She will also deliver a speech at the Moldovan State University. On the agenda are EU-Moldova relations, progress in Moldova’s political and economic reforms, issues related to the Transnistria settlement, and regional issues.