Romania's Prime Minister Pays Working Visit to Chisinau
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta paid a working visit to Chisinau, the capital of the Republic of Moldova, which he deemed “very useful and highly necessary.”
19 Iulie 2012, 10:33
After talks with his Moldovan counterpart, Vlad Filat, Ponta announced that important agreements had been signed, including one on energy networks. Victor Ponta:
“Energy networks between Romania and Moldova, in the natural gas and electricity fields, are essential projects for both countries and we want to announce that, by the end of 2012, the Falciu-Gotesti pipeline will be completed on the Romanian side, too.
"We plan to have the Iasi-Ungheni gas interconnection pipeline ready by December 1st, 2013. Everything we do on a political level, including the projects that we have signed today, are aimed at creating jobs and at improving living standards on both sides of the Prut river. They're also designed to strengthen ties between Romanians and Moldovans. “
The pipeline between the Romanian and Moldovan gas networks will be 43 kilometers long and will transport 1.5 billion cubic meters per year.
The energy network projects will have a positive impact on Moldova's European Union accession hopes, as they entail integrating the country into the European energy system, the Romanian prime Minister noted.
Moreover, connecting transport networks will contribute to bringing energy companies in Romania and the Republic of Moldova closer, a priority goal of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
Ponta pointed out that bilateral projects in the transport infrastructure sector are urgent and highly important for citizens in the two countries and can bring additional advantages, aside from those granted under the Accord on petty border trade.
That is why, Ponta explains, “it is important for us to observe a clear timetable for the infrastructure projects that are likely to boost tourism, trade and investment.” A cooperation protocol between the Education Ministries in the two countries was also signed, giving 5000 young Moldovans the chance to study in Romania on scholarships over the next three years.
An action plan between the Romanian and Moldovan Justice Ministries was also signed in Chsinau and measures to speed up the implementation of the Agreement on a non-repayable financial grant, worth 100 million euros, that Bucharest granted to Chisinau, was also signed.
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