Sweden is one of the most important partners of the Republic of Moldova in the implementation of development assistance projects, which supports the country’s European modernization, said Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, who discussed with Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell in Stockholm, IPN reports.

In the discussions with the Swedish official, Deputy Premier Popescu spoke about the key areas that will define the Moldova-Sweden relations next year, namely expansion of bilateral trade, transfer of good practices concerning transition to a green economy, development of initiatives regarding the use of renewable energy.

“I appreciated the message of the Swedish minister, who noted that under Sweden’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, our country will be at the top of the assistance programs of the authorities in Stockholm for implementing efficient reforms asked by the citizens. In order to develop the commercial-economic exchanges and attract Swedish investments to the national economy, we proposed organizing a business forum and further diversifying the Moldovan wines sold in Sweden’s state alcohol monopoly Systembolaget,” stated Nicu Popescu, being quoted in a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.

The sides exchanged opinions on the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on the socioeconomic stability in Moldova, especially in the energy sector. Nicu Popescu thanked for Sweden’s commitment to support priority projects designed to ensure Moldova’s economic recovery, which was announced at the donors’ conference.