Moldova intends to intensify trade with Turkey

The Moldovan Government is looking to reach an amount of trade with Turkey of $1 billion by 2015, more than doubling it from the current figure of $450 million. The statement was made by Prime Minister Vlad Filat at a press briefing on his return from Turkey, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Prime Minister, accompanied by a number of ministers and MPs, made an official visit to Turkey on November 1 and 2. As part of the visit, seven agreements and protocols were signed to enhance bilateral Moldo-Turkish cooperation in various areas. “Among others, we signed an agreement abolishing visas for the citizens of both countries. Now the agreement is to be approved by the Government and we will do this as soon as possible. It will then enter into effect as soon as it is ratified by Parliament”. Vlad Filat announced that his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will visit Chisinau next spring. “Until this visit takes place, we should complete negotiations to sign a Free Trade Agreement and the Agreement on Moldova-Turkey Strategic Partnership”. During his visit, Vlad Filat received a replica of Stephan the Great's sword as a gift from Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the artifact is to be exhibited for public viewing.