MINSK, 21 April (BelTA) - The relations between Belarus and Moldova have always been based on the principles of trust and mutual respect, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Vladimir Andreichenko said as he met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Moldova to Belarus Victor Sorocean on 21 April, BelTA has learned.
“We have long-standing friendly relations with the Republic of Moldova. The relations have always been based on the principles of trust, equality and mutual respect. We have a good legal framework which includes more than 80 documents at the interstate, intergovernmental and interdepartmental levels. At the international level, we have always felt the support of our Moldovan counterparts. We also provided such support in response. It is important that our inter-parliamentary relations are at a decent level. We are determined to continue constructive cooperation,” said Vladimir Andreichenko.
According to him, the two countries enjoy a good turnover. “The mutual trade exceeded $200 million in 2020. We started this year very well. In January-February, there was a 23.5% increase in trade turnover. It is very important. Of course, there are some unresolved issues. I think we need to resume meetings of the intergovernmental commission. It is important that MPs from Belarus and Moldova take part in these sessions,” the speaker said.
Vladimir Andreichenko stressed that the two countries have a great potential for interregional relations. Two factories are assembling Belarusian tractors and trolleybuses in Moldova, and work on MAZ trucks is underway there. “We should continue in this vein,” said the speaker of the House of Representatives.
Victor Sorocean, in turn, thanked the leadership of Belarus for the assistance provided last year for the help to return stranded Moldovan citizens from all over the world during the coronavirus pandemic. “You are right that we traditionally have good relations between our countries, both at the highest level and at the economic, social and humanitarian levels. We have a lot of interesting projects: some are already underway, others are under development, and more are in the plans. I am sure we will maintain the same relations in the future,” he added.
The ambassador said that the assembly of the Belarusian equipment in Moldova provides Moldovan citizens with additional jobs. There is already a need for the assembly of more powerful tractors. Victor Sorocean suggested working out an appropriate project.
Photos by Oksana Manchuk
