President Nicolae Timofti conferred the Order of Honor on the British Ambassador in Chisinau Keith Shannon in gratitude for his special contribution to developing and strengthening the Moldovan-British relations of friendship and cooperation. The ambassador is completing his duties in Moldova, IPN has learned from the presidential press service.
Nicolae Timofti thanked the ambassador for his contribution to developing the Moldovan-British relations, especially the political and economic cooperation, and for the support provided to Moldova by the UK in the European integration process and in settling the Transnistrian conflict. He approved of the British authorities’ attitude to the Moldovans settled in the UK, stressing that the Moldovan people will continue to work honestly and with respect for the laws of the countries where they live, including the UK.
Keith Shannon said that there are appreciable differences between articles that appeared recently in the British press and the positive official position of the British state towards the Moldovans, including those who chose to work in the UK. He also said that it was a privilege for him to represent his country in Moldova, which made significant progress in its democratic development during his four-year-tenure in Chisinau, despite political problems.
In a meeting of the ambassador and acting Prime Minister Vlad Filat, the latter said the Moldovan – British relations are good and are even an example in the commercial sector. The balance of trade between the two countries has been positive over the last three years. In 2012, the trade between Moldova and the UK rose by 5% on 2011.
Vlad Filat assured that Moldova will continue to maintain the pace of reforms so that it comes closer to the European standards and values and the people enjoy better living conditions. In the end, Vlad Filat presented the ambassador with a football ball as Keith Shannon is a big fan of this sport.
