Switzerland to consider easing visa procedures for Moldovans

Swiss Police and Justice Minister, Federal Councilor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, accepted the proposal of the Moldovan government to initiate procedures for examining the draft agreement on the facilitation of visa issuance for Moldovan nationals. The agreement was reached during a meeting with Moldova’s Foreign Minister Andrei Stratan, visiting Switzerland during June 5-6. The officials exchanged opinions on the opportunity for Switzerland to join the Chisinau-based Common Visa Center, after the Swiss Confederation joins the Schengen space, due to take place in November 2008. The Swiss Minister revealed that concomitantly with joining the Visa Center, an Embassy could be inaugurated in Chisinau, which would represent a step forward in the Moldo-Swiss dialogue. In Bern, Andrei Stratan held a series of meetings with Swiss officials, including State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Michael Ambühl, and State Secretary for Economic Relations Monika Ruhl Burzi, who also co-chairs the Moldo-Swiss Joint Commission.