Moldova complimented in Brussels
Moldovan President Nicolae Timofti had several meetings with European officials from Brussels yesterday. One of them was Jose Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Commission.
Mr. Barroso said that Timofti’s visit to Brussels is a confirmation of Moldova lining up to the European integration way.
From the other side, the Moldovan President assured the EU official that all the reforms agreed upon previously are implemented. The official from Brussels emphasized the progress made in the relationship Moldova-European Union and said that a new strategic plan for Moldova is being organized before the Eastern Partnership Summit.
Nicolae Timofti had also a meeting with Stefan Fule who is in charge with the EU enlargement and neighborhood policies within the European Commission. The Commissioner expressed concern over the closure of NIT channel.
“I raised the issue of the withdrawal of the broadcasting license of the television channel NIT and underlined the importance of a pluralistic media landscape. The outstanding issues must be solved and same norms should apply to all media in Moldova,” said Mr. Fule in a press release.
Transnistria was another hot topic on the agenda.
“I strongly encouraged the President to support the current efforts to build confidence and trust and defuse tensions on the ground. The resumption yesterday of freight rail transit is a telling example of what far-sighted political will can achieve through dialogue,” the EU official said.
Herman Van Rompuy, the President of the European Council was another EU official with whom Mr. Timofti had talks. Mr. Rompuy said that Moldova is becoming a model for the countries in the Eastern Partnership.
“The European Union has a stake in the Republic of Moldova's future. A successful Republic of Moldova is an important piece of a Europe whole and at peace. Equally important, the Republic of Moldova is becoming a model for many other countries. You have shown that political transition can be peaceful and that it is possible to turn democratic values into reality,” said Herman Van Rompuy.
He also mentioned the progress made by Moldova in the Association Agreement. Therefore, the EU is preparing some new sectoral agreements to Moldova.
“We are soon ready to sign a number of important sectoral agreements, in areas such as air transport and civil protection. And, we are exploring new areas for enhanced co-operation,” the President of the European Council said.
The official welcomed the new approaches established between Moldova and Transnistria.
“The region and the Republic of Moldova deserve an end to the dispute that has divided the country for far too long. The constructive approach followed by Republic of Moldova is widely appreciated in the EU,” added Mr. Rompuy.
This is Timofti’s first official visit abroad after he took office as President of the Republic of Moldova.
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