\n\tA declaration on the constitution of the high-level Strategic Cooperation Council between Moldova and Turkey was signed by the Presidents of the two states in Chisinau on October 17, IPN reports.<\/p>\n
\tPresident Igor Dodon said Turkey is an example of how the national interests should be defended for Moldova. It is the strategic partner that played and continues to play an important role. Moldova has good cooperation relations with Turkey and trade between the two countries the next years is expected to exceed US$ 1 billion, which is twice more than now.<\/p>\n
\tPresident Dodon thanked Turkey for the technical assistance provided to Moldova over 24 years during which more than US$ 80 million was invested in a non-refundable way, including in social projects in Gagauzia. The autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia and its people are a bridge between Moldova and Turkey and an additional guarantee of Moldova\u2019s statehood.<\/p>\n
\tFir his part, President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Moldova\u2019s territorial integrity is very important for Turkey. Turkey considers the Transnistrian conflict should be settled by peaceful ways. The signed strategic partnership declaration will help develop the relations between the two states in the best way. \u201cThe friends support each other. We will support you when need be, without fear,\u201d stated the official.<\/p>\n
\tThe President of Turkey also said he does not understand why the support provided for reconstructing the Presidential Building in Moldova is commented negatively in Chisinau as this is a gesture of friendship. Recep Erdogan called on the people who comment against the Turks to behave so as the friends behave. He announced that two Turkish state banks will soon open branches in Moldova and will work for the Moldovan people.<\/p>\n
\tIn the meeting, the two Presidents agreed that an identical replica of Stephan the Great\u2019s sword whose original is kept in a museum in Turkey will be brought to Moldova in the nearest future. A similar copy was offered earlier to Romania.<\/p>\n
\tAt the end of the meeting with the press, Igor Dodon conferred the Order of the Republic on Recep Erdogan.<\/p>\n
\tThe President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan is paying an official visit to Moldova during October 17-18.<\/p>\n