Brussels, 30/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - For his first official visit outside Moldova, President Nicolae Timofti visited Brussels on Friday 27 April, where he emphasised the importance of his country's European integration. In his meetings with the presidents of the European Commission and the European Council he stressed that “European integration is a strategic and irreversible objective of Moldova”. He added: “I am determined to take action to speed up the pace towards Moldova's European integration through reform”. José Manuel Barroso explained that the visit of the president clearly shows his commitment and that of his country to developing closer ties with the EU.
Underlining that the relationship between the EU and Moldova was swiftly developing, Herman Van Rompuy and José Manuel Barroso stated that political and economic reform would help towards the prosperity and stability of Moldova on a long-term basis. Barroso said that “developing closer ties between them is essential”, while Van Rompuy affirmed that the more reforms Moldova undertook, the more the EU could help and support the country.
The presidents of the Commission and the European Council pointed out that the EU and Moldova were working closely together. Sectoral agreements in air transport and social protection will soon be ready to be signed and new areas of strengthened cooperation are being explored, such as in the area of defence and security operations. The two presidents also pointed out that the EU and Moldova were negotiating an association agreement, and discussions had recently opened on a far-reaching and comprehensive free trade zone. They also discussed what progress has been made on the dialogue on visas. Barroso encouraged Moldova to resolve pending questions so that progress could be made and welcomed the initialling of the agreement on 22 March on updating visa facilitation. Barroso, Van Rompuy and the commissioner for enlargement, Stefan Füle, all emphasised the important role of Moldova in the Eastern Partnership.
They also underlined the primacy of law, freedom of expression and the fundamental importance of human rights. Füle explained the importance of restoring cohesion in Moldovan society and strengthening the reform process.
Van Rompuy and Barroso welcomed the “constructive approach” of Moldova in the 5+2 negotiations on the conflict in Transnistria. Füle strongly encouraged the Moldovan president to underpin the efforts being made to build trust and smooth out tension on the ground. (CG/transl.fl)