Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Europeans Integration, thanked the Ambassador of Ireland to Moldova with residence in Bucharest Paul McGarry for his significant contribution to developing the friendship relations between the Republic of Moldova and Ireland. In a meeting held on the occasion of the completion of the diplomat’s duties in Moldova, the officials discussed the European course of the Republic of Moldova, underlining Ireland’s assistance in the process of obtaining the EU candidate status by Moldova, IPN reports.

Nicu Popescu assured Paul McGarry that the Republic of Moldova is determined to work further on the European integration process so that the accession negotiations with the EU are opened by the end of this year. This time again, the Republic of Moldova banks on Ireland’s support.

The interlocutors also discussed the importance of opening negotiations on the facilitation of the visa regime and underlined the essential role played by Irish investors in Moldova, including by attracting Irish low-cost airlines.

Moldova and Ireland established diplomatic relations on September 30, 1999.