From the very beginning, Italy has supported the signing of the Association and Free Trade Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union. Moreover, a joint bilateral declaration was signed between Italy and Moldova in support of the implementation of this Agreement with the EU. The statement belongs to the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Republic of Moldova, Valeria Biagiotti, who, in a video interview given to the IPN Press Agency, has also stated that Italy appreciates and supports other states that want to join the European Union.
"As you know, Italy is one of the six founding states of the EU and, starting from the very beginning, it has contributed to the signing of various agreements and the building of a united Europe. Suffice it to say that the EEC and Euratom treaties were signed in 1957 in Rome. Therefore, European principles and values have been a constant of the history of our country for over 60 years. For this reason, we appreciate and support other states that want to join us, "said Valeria Biagiotti.
The ambassador has mentioned that Italy's membership in the European Union has been a constant of the Italian history for more than sixty years, and this also characterizes strictly bilateral relations, including those with the Republic of Moldova. "Obviously, there are some aspects that make the Moldovan-Italian relations more special, simpler, compared to the other states of the European Union, including due to the large presence of Moldovan citizens in Italy," noted the head of the diplomatic mission of Italy in Chisinau.
Referring to the bilateral agreements, the Ambassador has stated that an agreement regarding the conversion of driving licenses has already been signed in 2003. Given the changes to the models of driving licenses, it was necessary to work out a new agreement to modify the existing agreement. According to the Ambassador, the Italian side, as well as the Moldovan side, have completed the internal procedures and, as stipulated in the respective agreement, it could become effective as of January 2020.
As for the bilateral agreements on social security and the recognition of study documents, Valeria Biagiotti mentioned that the negotiations are at a rather advanced stage and should be completed as soon as possible. "Both Italian authorities and Moldovan authorities are interested in signing these agreements as soon as possible in order to make easier the life of the Moldovans who have settled in Italy, as well as the life of Italian citizens living in the Republic of Moldova. As regards social security, I would like to mention that Moldovan citizens, who have been working in Italy, with or without signing this agreement, are already entitled to an Italian pension, whether they decide to stay in Italy or to return to their homeland”, said the Italian ambassador to Moldova.
The video interview given to the IPN Press Agency by the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Republic of Moldova, Valeria Biagiotti, is part of the cycle "Relations of the Republic of Moldova with development partners", supported by Hans Seiddel German Foundation.