Italy is a firm supporter of the European aspirations of the Republic of Moldova. During 30 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, solid cooperation potential at multiple levels appeared, while the Moldovan community in Italy became an organic component of the Italian society, Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, told the press after a meeting with Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Benedetto Della Vedova, IPN reports.
In his speech, Nicu Popescu spoke about Italy’s assistance in promoting the agenda of priorities related to the implementation of the Association Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union and in developing new platforms of cooperation with the European Union, including in climate protection, political cooperation and security.
Italy is among the largest commercial partners of the Republic of Moldova, the commercial exchanges contributing to improving the citizens’ wellbeing. Besides further favoring this area, emphasis is placed on strong ties between the two societies. “I think there is no Moldovan who would not have relatives established or working in Italy. The Government is therefore permanently engaged in activities that can facilitate the existence of our compatriots,” said Nicu Popescu. He noted they discussed the reduction of roaming charges, the completion of the procedure for ratifying the agreement on social protection and the intention to initiate the twinning of localities of the two states.
Mentioning that Italy is the key partner in the implementation of reforms in the police and the Ministry of Home Affairs, the minister pleaded for continuing cooperation in this field and the Moldovan service members’ participation in the peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Lebanon alongside the Italian ones.
For his part, the Italian official said that his visit to Chisinau, made also in connection with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, is a proof of the excellent Moldovan-Italian relations at political, economic and cultural levels. “I’m here to reaffirm the full support for the European aspirations of the Republic of Moldova,” he said. In particular, Benedetto Della Vedovlr spoke about the cooperation of Moldovan and Italian carabineers, which is to be strengthened. As to the Moldovan citizens in Italy, he said that his country is proud to host the community of Moldovans that contributes to the growth of the Italian economy.
Before the news conference, the two officials signed the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of the Republic of Italy on the mutual recognition of documents of study.
