Turkey is interested in investing in the restoration of the Chisinau Circus, the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced in a meeting with Prime Minister Pavel Filip. He noted that those in charge will consider the possibility of making such an investment, IPN reports.
According to the Government’s press service, Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed his readiness to make the approaches needed for the commercial exchanges between Moldova and Turkey and the Turkish investments in Moldova to grow. The President also informed about the intention to open Turkish banks in Moldova. “Even if we do not have common borders with Moldova, we consider Moldova a neighboring country because we have historical relations. This is a special country for us as it hosts Gagauzia, persons whom we consider compatriots,” stated the Turkish official.
For his part, Pavel Filip appreciated the important contribution made by Turkish investors to developing the national economy. “The Chisinau Airport, Medpark Hospital, Radisson Hotel and the largest mall in our country were modernized thanks to Turkish investments. By these direct investments, the Turkish companies and the Government of Turkey contributed to developing our country,” stated the Premier. Recently, a Turkish company won the contest to build the Chisinau Arena.
The Premier also noted the technical assistance provided by Turkey to Moldova through the TIKA Agency for renovating a ward of the Mother and Child Institute and for implementing other social projects in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia. Over US$ 33 million was allocated for the purpose during the past two years.
The sides also underlined the rise in trade between the two countries following the signing of the Free Trade Agreement. Last year, trade grew by 23% compared with 2016. In this regard, there was stressed the necessity of convoking the intergovernmental commission for commercial-economic cooperation by the end of this year.
To foster the bilateral relations, a Consulate of Turkey will be opened in Comrat. Pavel Filip said the Government pays special attention to the development of Gagauzia and worked out a relevant plan of action. The Premier requested the President of Turkey to encourage the Gagauz authorities and ethnics to make a bigger integration effort, including by studying the Romanian language.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan is paying an official visit to the Republic of Moldova during October 17-18.
