Moldova, Israel sign co-operation agreement

Moldova and Israel have signed today a protocol on co-operation in areas of trade, economy and science. The signing ceremony took place in Chisinau as part of the second meeting of the Moldovan-Israeli intergovernmental Commission. The document was signed by Israeli Tourism Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch and Moldovan Culture & Tourism Minister Artur Cozma. Cozma told reporters that the bilateral relations between the two countries seem to have progressed, expressing his satisfaction that after several years of negotiations an agreement on avoidance of double taxation and tax evasion has been finally concluded. In the near future the parties are expected to sign a cultural cooperation programme as well. According to the Moldovan minister, cooperation between the two countries has been particularly remarkable in the areas of information technologies and agriculture, especially concerning production of environment-friendly produce by using Israeli technology. Three training centres for Moldovan farmers are expected to open soon in northern, southern and central Moldova. For his part, Yitzhak Aharonovitch said he is here in Chisinau in order to strengthen the Moldova-Israel ties. According to the minister, Moldova is not widely known among Israeli tourist, therefore a series of measures will be taken in order to popularise Moldova as a tourist destination and at the same time boost the number of Moldovans who will pick Israel for vacation. Statistics show that Israeli investment into Moldova amounts to roughly 5 million euros. That is quite a modest amount, said Trade Minister Viorel Melnic, but added that Moldova is willing to have a long-term economic and trade partnership with Israel.