The Speaker of Moldova’s Parliament Zinaida Grechanyi and the Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Volodin approved of the recent amendments made to the Moldovan legislation, which allowed resuming the retransmission of Russian news TV channels in Moldova, and also of the adoption of the law regarding the status of Russian as a language of interethnic communication in Moldova, IPN reports.

In a meeting in Moscow on December 25, Zinaida Grechanyi reaffirmed the importance of keeping and developing the friendly relationship and strategic cooperation between Moldova and Russia. “The relations between our states, the traditions of friendship, the economic and humanitarian ties didn’t develop overnight and it is important to maintain and develop this precious advantage,” The Moldovan Speaker stated, being quoted in a press release.

The official spoke about the recent legislative amendments made by MPs, which made the retransmission of the Russian news TV channels on Moldova’s territory possible, and about the adoption of the law regarding the status of Russian as a language of interethnic communication in Moldova.

For his part, Vyacheslav Volodin said this fact is important for the economic, cultural and social interaction between the two countries. “The dialogue with our colleagues from Moldova is very important. We have a common history and get along together. It is impossible to develop relations without steps towards each other. We start from the precondition that the relations should be based on the principles of openness, dialogue, mutual respect and lack of double standards,” stated the Russian official

Vyacheslav Volodin noted that this decision is first of all in the interests of the Moldovan citizens. “It is a chance for the Moldovan citizens to distinguish themselves, to study in the Russian Federation, to familiarize themselves with the cultural heritage. But this is also important for the Russian Federation as we will be able to develop more efficiently our relations in the economy, culture, education,” he stated. He underlined the importance of keeping the memory of the common history – of the Victory in World War II.

The interlocutors also discussed the completion of the negotiations on the draft Agreement on Social Security between the Republic of Moldova and the Russian Federation. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection of Moldova and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Russia are to sign the administrative commitment on the implementation of this agreement.

The meeting also involved the ex-President of Moldova Igor Dodon.