Tofan: Gagauzia Is an Important Asset for Moldova That Can Build Bridges with Turkey

In its relations with Gagauzia, the new government plans to restore dialogue and use the autonomy’s cultural ties with Turkey to attract investment and expand export opportunities. Turkey could become an alternative to manifestations of the “Russian world” in the autonomy while helping preserve Gagauz cultural heritage and folklore. Regarding the Transnistrian region, Chisinau should not rush the process, as reintegration must proceed gradually and with full awareness of the need to avoid escalation, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said on the TV8 program “New Week with Anatolie Golea”. Speaking about relations with Gagauzia, Tofan confirmed his readiness to visit Comrat. Earlier, Chairman of the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia Valentin Gaidarji proposed that the prime minister make his first working visit there and restart relations between the central and regional authorities “from a clean slate”. The government said the visit would take place at the first suitable opportunity. According to Tofan, closer relations with Ankara could provide the autonomy with additional sources of investment, new export markets, and an alternative to its external orientation toward the “Russian world”. At the same time, Gagauzia could help Moldova as a whole strengthen cooperation with the Turkish economic sphere. “Turkey is a key country in our region. I believe we are not developing this direction enough. It is crucial from a political perspective as well, because we need a strong player that balances interests. And it can also show Gagauzia another alternative to an orientation toward the Russian world. I believe Gagauzia is a very important asset for Moldova, which can help us build bridges with Turkey. It is a huge economy and an important priority,” Tofan said.