“We are determined to intensify economic diplomacy. You are an example for the region and in this respect we had an exchange of opinions and information on how Hungary organizes these activities to attract investment in order to promote exports. It is a direction towards which the diplomacy of Moldova also wants to move and evolve”, stated Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, during a press conference held with his Hungarian counterpart, Péter Szijjártó.
During his visit to Budapest, Moldova’s top diplomat signed with his Hungarian counterpart a cooperation agreement between the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration on the 2022-2023 cooperation program.
“For Moldova it is important to maintain a very good relationship with Hungary, like it has been until now, with projects that bring concrete benefits to the citizens. We have always appreciated Hungary’s support for the reform processes in Moldova, for the consolidation of democracy and for our European course, for our desire to join the European Union and Hungary has always supported us in this endeavor,” said Nicu Popescu.
Moldova is interested in the Three Seas Initiative, said Popescu, adding: “Moldova wants to be as connected as possible to all initiatives in Central Europe, which will allow us to anchor our country more firmly in the European space”.
There are several Hungarian companies operating in Moldova, in the financial and banking sector, in the pharmaceutical sector and other fields. “We hope to be able to develop new economic ties,” added Nicu Popescu.
The two officials also announced that Hungary will offer 40 scholarships for Moldovan students.
Hungary was among the first nations to recognize the independence of the Republic of Moldova in 1991. In response to efforts to combat the pandemic, Hungary has provided Moldova with 20 ventilators through NATO’s emergency disaster response mechanism.