Brussels, 26/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 26 June, the Republic of Moldova and the European Union signed two cooperation agreements, one on a common aviation area and the other on the protection of geographical indications. Moldova is a long-established partner of the EU and these agreements are a further step in the close cooperation between the two in all sectors, said Danish Foreign Minister Villy Sovndal.
Thanks to the agreement on geographical indications, Moldova will ensure a high level of protection for more than 3,200 EU food products, wines and spirits already protected within the EU. The agreement also aims to promote trade in quality agricultural products and foodstuffs between the two parties.
The comprehensive air services agreement will make Moldova a full partner of the EU in aviation by gradually integrating it into the European common market. Moldova will develop a “common aviation area” with the EU based on common rules in areas such as aviation safety. Moldova will bring its legislation into line with European standards and will implement European aviation rules in areas including environment, consumer protection, air traffic management, economic regulation, competition issues and social matters.
Progress on visas. The EU and Moldova also pre-signed the agreement amending their visa facilitation agreement. The 14th EU- Republic of Moldova Cooperation Council underlined the “important progress” achieved so far by Moldova in the visa liberalisation action plan and looks forward to the Commission report on the implementation of the first phase of the action plan.
The two parties also re-affirmed their intention to deepen and broaden their relations in their political association and economic integration of Moldova with the European Union. They stressed the importance of the Eastern Partnership Roadmaps as a tool to guide the deepening of bilateral relations ahead of the next Eastern Partnership summit, scheduled for 2013.
The Cooperation Council expressed appreciation for the good progress made in association agreement negotiations, which also embrace negotiations on establishing a deep and comprehensive free trade area.
The EU welcomed the strengthened cooperation with the Republic of Moldova in the area of foreign and security policy. (CG/transl.rt)