Romanian foreign minister meets with Moldovan lawmakers

Romanian Foreign Minister Mihai-Razvan Ungureanu met with representatives of parliamentary factions in Chisinau on February 17 evening. He reiterated the support of Bucharest for Moldova’s European integration, while lawmakers highlighted the need of this assistance and called for a deeper cooperation with Romania. Ungureanu said that the political will of Chisinau should be manifested through concrete actions after reiterating Romania’s support for Moldova’s European integration. The European Union needs actions, he added. Deputy Speaker Iurie Rosca, representative of the Christian Democratic faction was satisfied that the relations between the two states are developing, but called for a boost of parliamentary ties between Moldova and Romania. Elsewhere, Rosca spoke about construction of the Leova - Bumbata and Lipcani-Radauti bridges. The Christian Democratic People’s Party leader expressed optimism that a solution would be found after the introduction of the visa regime, so that Moldovan citizen not be obstructed move at least on Romania’s territory. Speaking about awarding of scholarships to Moldovan citizens, Victor Stepaniuc, representative of the Communist faction, said that the Romanian side has proposed the training of teachers, phylologists, historians, political researchers, but the training of engineers, technicians is more important for our country. Vitalia Pavlicenco, lawmaker on behalf of the Our Moldova Alliance (AMN), appreciated the message of the Romanian authorities regarding the complete support for Moldova’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. As regards the Transnistrian conflict, Pavlicenco said that AMN has always promoted the presence of Romania in the Transnistrian settlement negotiations and this remains an imperative. Valentina Buliga, representative of the Democratic Party (PD) faction, said that „Romania is our big hope.” „PD is aware that the new E.U. neighbour status obliges us to take consistent actions at the level of executive and legislative powers,” Buliga added. Social Liberal lawmaker Oleg Serebrian spoke about interparliamentary cooperation and said that it is unsatisfactory. He appreciated how Romania is promoting the E.U. integration of Moldova on European political market. Also, he opted for a deeper cooperation in the area of local public administration. Ungureanu held a news conference after the meeting with Moldovan lawmakers and reiterated the support of Romania for the European integration of Moldova, called for a flexible visa regime for Moldovan citizens, facilitated Romanian citizenship awarding procedure. Asked if Romania has drafted its own Transnistrian settlement plan, the minister hinted that such a document exists. The Romanian foreign minister returned to Bucharest on Friday evening.