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Estonian head of state meets Moldovan foreign minister

18.06.2010

“Any European country that has dedicated itself to democratic reform and is successful in its implementation can be sure of the support of the European Union and its Member States,” said president Toomas Hendrik Ilves at a meeting today with Moldovan fore “Any European country that has dedicated itself to democratic reform and is successful in its implementation can be sure of the support of the European Union and its Member States,” said president Toomas Hendrik Ilves at a meeting today with Moldovan foreign minister Iurie Leancă.

“Estonia considers the European Union’s active stance in regard to Moldova very important, and we support the union’s neighbourhood policy and Eastern partnership through our own development cooperation activities,” the president explained, welcoming closer ties with Moldova and confirming that Estonia will continue to contribute to areas in which the country has useful reform experience to share.

To date Estonia has shared with Moldova its know-how in boosting public sector capability, primarily through the training of officials involved in the implementation of the EU–Moldova action plan, but also in the field of education, the development of information and communications technology and in environmental partnerships.

“It is worth noting the remarkable effort the Moldovan government has gone to in its negotiations with the European Union on an association agreement, which have so far been very successful,” the president said. “We hope to see similar progress in the visa dialogue which was opened recently.” President Ilves also confirmed Estonia’s support for Moldova’s economic integration with the European Union.

“I do have one recommendation in terms of making best use of the European Union’s Eastern partnership,” the Estonian head of state remarked, “and that is that Moldova should do everything it can to join the common European airspace, since it will increase your freedom of movement.”

President Ilves and foreign minister Leancă also discussed the situation in the breakaway region of Transnistria. The president said that it was vitally important to increase the role and involvement of the European Union in resolving the Transnistria problem, including hastening the departure of the foreign forces based there.

“Making Moldova more attractive, including through projects very clearly developing infrastructure via European Union support, increasing freedom of movement for people and eventually agreeing on visa-free travel for Moldovan citizens are all important steps along the path to resolving the Transnistria conflict,” President Ilves said.


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