The relationship with Moldova for Turkey is a strategic one, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Cemil Çiçek said in a news conference in Chisinau after a meeting with Head of Parliament Igor Corman. According to the official, trade between Moldova and Turkey now totals about US$400 million and tends to grow, IPN reports.
Cemil Çiçek, who is in Moldova on a visit, said that this is a necessary visit as Moldova is an important state for Turkey. “We want to develop our friendship further. We always supported the territorial integrity of Moldova. Gagauzia must be a component part of Moldova and must implement projects in concert with the central authorities,” he stated.
The Speaker of the Grand National Assembly also said that Turkey is near Moldova in its aspirations to come closer to the EU.
Igor Corman underlined that the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Cooperation Agreement between the two countries will be marked soon. He noted that the discussions centered on the European agendas of Moldova and Turkey as both of the states want to implement the EU development model.
The Moldovan official said he is glad that the procedures for abolishing the visa requirements were completed and the Moldovans will be able to travel visa-free to Turkey from June 1. Igor Corman voiced hope that they will soon sign the Free Trade Agreement with Turkey, which is very similar to that with the EU.
This afternoon, Igor Corman and Cemil Çiçek will travel to Gagauzia to meet with the Chairman of the People’s Assembly Dumitru Constantinov and Bashkan Mihail Formuzal.
