Prime Minister Valeriu Strelet is convinced that the relations between Moldova and the Council of Europe (CoE) will be developed. “We pursue a common goal – for Moldova to continue on the path of European integration by deeds, not only by words,” the Premier said in a meeting with the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau José-Luis Herrero. The officials discussed the prospects of cooperation in different areas where the Government of Moldova needs the CoE’s support. They conferred especially on the justice sector reform and corruption fighting, reformation of the prosecution service and the situation in Gagauzia and Transnistria, IPN reports.

Valeriu Strelet underlined the necessity of updating the plan of action for implementing the Association Agreement between Moldova and the EU. “Given the delays in a number of sectors, we must work out and approve a new plan of action in the nearest future. In this regard, we count on the understanding and swiftness of the development partners so that we set and launch the next projects stipulated in the plan,” he stated, quoted by the Government’s press service.

For his part, José Luis Herrero reiterated the CoE’s readiness to support Moldova in its European integration efforts and to offer assistance and expertise where it is necessary. “We are ready to have discussions and we are confident that we will continue to have an efficient dialogue. Moldova is an example for the EaP countries and you must maintain the position of leader,” he stated.

Jose Luis Herrero took up as Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau in October 2014.