A working group will assess the feasibility and will discuss with private sector partners to see if there is sufficient interest in a direct maritime and fluvial route between the Giurgiulești Port and the Poti Sea Port in Georgia. Such a route will enable to intensify the direct commercial relations and will facilitate trade between the whole South Caucasus region and the rest of the European space through the Republic of Moldova. Discussions on the issue were held in Chisinau during the meeting of Deputy Premier Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili

Nicu Popescu told a news conference that they discussed concrete methods of developing the commercial and economic relations. It is planned to organize a business forum in spring. “The diplomatic relations with Georgia were established over 30 years ago. Recently, the Republic of Moldova was visited by the President of Georgia. A direct Chisinau-Tbilisi flight was opened on this occasion. This will enable to intensify the economic, social, tourist and political-diplomatic ties between the two states,” said the minister.

The interlocutors also conferred on the developments in the region, firmly condemning Russia’s unjustified, unprovoked and brutal war against Ukraine that affected tens of countries, with Moldova being second on the list after Ukraine. “Yesterday, owing to the brutal and barbarous shelling of Ukrainian energy infrastructure by the Russian Federation, practically our whole country was plunged into darkness for several hours,” said Nicu Popescu, noting that this war affects each citizen of the Republic of Moldova, regardless of their political preferences. He noted that in connection with these events, the Russian ambassador was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was told that Moldova firmly demands that Russia should stop the bombardments that affect each citizen of Moldova.

“We also discussed the issue of separatism that affects both of the countries. In this regard, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia have also had excellent cooperation and coordination of positions in international forums,” said the Deputy Premier, adding that the sides exchanged opinions on the common European integration process.

For his part, Ilia Darchiashvili said that Georgia and the Republic of Moldova have had friendly relations for a long period of time and these relations turned into long-term bilateral partnerships. According to him, the aspiration to become a member of the EU unites the two countries to a greater extent. The European Commission’s decision of this summer is followed by a series of important responsibilities and Georgia and the Republic of Moldova will coordinate their steps in this regard.

While in Chisinau, the Gregorian official will also meet with President Maia Sandu, Speaker Igor Grosu and Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița.