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Prime Minister Iurie Leanca and President of the European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso today chaired a joint meeting of the Moldovan government and the European Commission, held in Brussels for the first time ever.

“The today’s meeting represents a symbol of Moldova’ relations with the European Union, which have advanced a lot over the last years. Moldova has become an important partner for the EU to enhance stability and economic prosperity in the region”, he said.

The sides welcomed the abolition of visas - an important step in Moldovans’ rapprochement with those from the EU member states. At the same time, the European Commission recognized the important progress Moldova had made in implementing the reforms and reaffirmed the support in continuing the justice reform, fighting corruption and improving the business climate in Moldova.

The European Commission reiterated the support for Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within the borders recognized at international level. The sides underlined the need to continue the five-plus-two negotiations and identify a solution meant to observe the principles of Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, providing a special status to the region from the left bank of the Dniester.

The European Commission welcomed the efficient cooperation to implement the energy projects, noting that it was meant to ensure the energy security in Moldova.

For his part, Iurie Leanca thanked the EU for the significant financial support provided for the energy sector, as well as for implementing reforms in different sectors.

“I would like to thank the President of the European Commission for the excellent cooperation with him and with his team, in order to modernise Moldova and create conditions which the Moldovans deserve”, he noted.

The sides agreed to maintain a close cooperation, in order to carry out the political association and economic integration of Moldova into EU.