Popescu: Trade between Moldova and Russia does not Affect the Moldovan European Way

Moldova is interested in the development of trade relations with Russia, and this will not harm the European course, – said the Minister of foreign Affairs and European integration Nicu Popescu. At a press conference on Monday in Bucharest he said that today only 8% of Moldovan exports enter the Russian market and this is a too little, infotag.md reports. “So, it is in Moldova’s interest to unblock trade relations with Russia in order to ensure proper access to its markets for Moldovan producers, primarily the agricultural sector. Such dynamics will provide new jobs and increasing wages,” Popescu said. According to him, “dynamic relations with Russia will never violate the existing trade relations of Moldova with the EU.” “In today’s situation, the European market is much more comfortable for Moldovan exporters. For example, even for the Transnistrian region, the main trading partner is the European Union, despite certain political preferences. Because the European market is large, prosperous and interested in the range of products that Moldova can offer,” Popescu said. Commenting on the possible federalization of Moldova, Popescu said that “it is not on the agenda of the authorities of the Republic.” “Such a step will never get support in the society – because more than 80% of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova oppose federalization. Transnistrian question needs openness and cooperation. And the issue of federalization should not cause concern, although vigilance should not be lost,” he said. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania Teodor Meleșcanu said that he discussed with his Moldovan colleague security issues. “We are concerned about some possible developments in security matters that may occur in Moldova. For Romania, the fact that part of the Republic of Moldova is occupied by Russian troops is a problem. Therefore, we must closely watch the happenings to understand how to organize cooperation on this issue,” the diplomat said. Point.md