Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova has been an example of solidarity and will remain close to the people of Ukraine, but it also needs to cope with particular challenges, it was noted in discussions involving officials of Moldova, Ukraine, Romania, the European Commission and the U.S. in Galati, IPN reports.
“Currently, the Republic of Moldova ensures the transit of agricultural products from the European Union, taking into account the interests of Moldovan farmers and the fact that we are a producer and exporter of grain. Therefore, the investments in infrastructure are a pressing necessity for satisfying the needs of Moldovan farmers and ensuring the transit. The Republic of Moldova aims to increase the railway and naval transportation capacities,” said Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Vladimir Bolea, being quoted in a press release issued by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Moldova.
The poor quality of the railway and naval infrastructure is a serious problem that impacts the capacity for transporting agricultural products. “To ensure the swift connection of goods to the EU, we need to increase investments. It is important that the Republic of Moldova was included in the decision-making processes and in the new logistic routes as this increases cohesion. This means additional resources and efforts, but only by cooperation we will be able to develop sustainable projects at regional level and ensure interconnection with the European infrastructure,” stated Vladimir Bolea.
The meeting in Galati involved Romanian Minister of Transport Sorin Mihai Grindeanu, the Head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination of the U.S. Department of State James O’Brien, Ukraine’s Deputy Premier Oleksandr Kubrakov and DG MOVE Director Magda Kopczynska. Moldova’s delegation consisted of Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, secretaries of state Viorel Garaz and Mircea Păscăluță, director of Moldova’s Railways Oleg Tofilat, Naval Agency director Igor Zaharia, Acting Head of USAID Mission in Moldova John Riordan and Moldova’s Ambassador in Bucharest Victor Chirilă.
