Posted: 22.09.2021 14:53:00

Relations with Moldova inspire optimism

Belarus is optimistic about the future of bilateral relations with Moldova – as stated by Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko during his meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Moldova to Belarus, Victor Sorochan, on the occasion of completion of his diplomatic mission

Photo: www.belta.by

According to the PM, a visit of the Belarusian President’s to Moldova in 2018 gave a significant impetus to the Belarusian-Moldovan relations. In addition, the Chairperson of the Moldovan Parliament has recently visited Belarus. With this in view, Mr. Golovchenko said, “Moldova is interested in developing economic co-operation with the EAEU countries. It has received the status of an observer state and we hope that this course will be maintained by the country’s new Government. As we see, this is primarily beneficial to the economy of Moldova and its people.”

Speaking of the progress achieved in relations between the two countries, the PM highlighted the launch of direct flights and transfer of cargo transportation to a non-permissive basis. “We hope the rhythm and pace of relations gained during your cadence in Belarus will be preserved further – by your follower and the Moldovan authorities. This serves the interests of our countries and we are optimistic about the future of our bilateral relations,” he addressed Mr. Sorochan.

The diplomat, in turn, commented, “We are successfully assembling Belarusian trolleybuses in Moldova, with the localisation level reaching 45 percent. At present, we are even considering an opportunity to promote this product to the European market. Neighbouring Bulgaria and Romania are demonstrating interest in these vehicles – appreciating their affordable technical maintenance and reasonable price.”

Summing up the results of his work in Belarus, Mr. Sorochan noted, “Our relations have been built taking into account the interests of each side. Belarus can easily do without Moldovan products, while Moldova could hardly cope without Belarusian goods – including those produced on the territory of Moldova. Co-operation ties play an important role.”

Last year, Belarus and Moldova traded more than $200m and, from January-July 2021, the figure stood at over $123m – with a positive balance of $49.5m. Moldova exports Belarusian oil products, tractors and semi-trailer trucks, trolleybuses, fiberglass, food and medicines, while Belarus imports grape wines, fresh fruits, devices for automatic regulation and control. More than 60 representations, subsidiaries, commodity distribution network entities and distributors of Belarusian enterprises operate in Moldova, in addition to three assembly plants. In Belarus, 23 companies with Moldovan capital work – including seven joint ventures and 16 foreign organisations.