Chisinau and Gagauzia must join efforts to preserve the Gagauz language and to ensure the intensive studying of the Romanian language in the autonomous unit. These are the main topics discussed in Avdarm at the meeting of President Maia Sandu with representatives of civil society, IPN;s correspondent in ATU Gagauzia reports.

The participants in the meeting stressed that the young people’s interest in learning the Gagauz language has decreased and that the identity of the Gagauz people is in danger.

"Despite the fact that the Gagauz Autonomies Unit was created to protect the Gagauz language and culture, today many people no longer know their mother tongue. Serious joint efforts are needed to prevent the disappearance of the Gagauz language," said President Maia Sandu.

The official noted that the Moldovan authorities are willing to find ways to finance a large Gagauz language learning campaign in the autonomous unit. In this regard, the participants in the meeting agreed to work together in the coming months.

Particular attention was devoted at the meeting to the importance of adults and students learning Romanian "in order to promote integration and access to educational and professional opportunities".

The participants also decided to launch the GEL discussion club - an open dialogue platform between Comrat and Chisinau, between representatives of the autonomous unit and the Government.