After meeting with Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri Rogozin in Chisinau today, Prime Minister Iurie Leanca told reporters they had a constructive discussion that addressed the problem of Moldovan migrants and the Transnistrian settlement process, in addition to the restrictions imposed by Russia on some Moldovan exports, IPN reports.
“Any dialogue is better than a lack of it”, said Leanca, responding to voices critical of the meeting.
Leanca said the arguments put forth by Rogozin and his team to explain the ban were largely technical and concerned food safety. He went on to announce that Economy Minister Andrian Candu would meet again with Dmitri Rogozin to discuss the issue, when he participates in the CIS Economic Council's meeting on September 26.
Concerning the Transnistrian issue, Iurie Leanca informed Dmitri Rogozin that Moldova's chief negotiator Eugen Carpov was available to travel to Moscow anytime to discuss any issues of the region. Further, Rogozin was informed that the Transnistrian side had been repeatedly invited to take part in the negotiations on the Association Agreement with the EU.
On the situation of Moldovan migrants in Russia, Rogozin assured they would not be subjected to any discriminatory treatment. Iurie Leanca proposed that Moldova and Russia should sign three agreements designed to protect the citizens of both countries.
Iurie Leanca said he didn't discuss gas supply issues with the Russian official, suggesting this was not a burning problem, as Moldova expected to sign or extend its gas supply contract with Russia this fall. At the same time, the Prime Minister said that the government in a few weeks would announce its solutions for a hypothetical interruption in gas supply.
Dmitri Rogozin did not talk to reporters after meeting with Iurie Leanca.
