France, as one of the European Union’s engines, remains one of the strategic partners of the Republic of Moldova in Europe. During the 26 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the dialogue between the two states witnessed dynamic development in practically all the areas, Preside Igor Dodon stated in a meeting with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of La Francophonie Summit held in Yerevan, IPN reports, quoting the presidential press service.
“The commercial relations between Moldova and France develop stable. Exports to France in January – June 2018 rose 1.7 times compared with the corresponding period last year. Imports from this country in the period grew by 60%. A number of 225 companies with French capital operate in Moldova,” President Dodon said.
He noted the ascending dialogue in the fields of culture and education, where the key role is played by the French Alliance in Moldova. As regards Moldova’s foreign policy, the President underlined that Moldova tends to develop balanced and mutually advantageous relations both with the partners from the West and those from the East.
Igor Dodon and Emmanuel Macron discussed the prospects of settling the Transnistrian conflict. In particular, the Moldovan side invited the French side to take a more active part in the consultations on the issue, alongside Germany, Russia and other foreign players that are participants in the official 5+2 format.
“I think the involvement of Paris, including in the policy of the European Union, will offer a new incentive to the settlement process and this will ultimately contribute to identifying an efficient solution that will represent the first peaceful and diplomatic result in the last decades in solving frozen conflicts in the post-Soviet area and, in general, in the OSCE area,” stated Igor Dodon.
At the end of the meeting, President Dodon thanked the President of France for the invitation to take part in the Paris Peace Forum that will take place this November.
