The whole of the European Union has a vested interest in forming strategic partnerships with countries lying at its Eastern borders, including Moldova, and in keeping the options of EU membership and economic cooperation open, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated on Thursday in Chisinau after he had talks with Moldovan Prime Minister Ion Chicu during his official visit.

At a joint press conference of the two prime ministers, Mr Orbán described Hungarian-Moldovan relations as positive and dynamic, and stressed that Hungary will continue to remain a committed supporter of Moldova on issues concerning integration.

At present, Moldova has association, visa-free travel and free trade agreements with the EU, but there are even further opportunities, and Hungary supports Moldova in its efforts to explore them, Mr Orbán said.

Regarding the EU, the Prime Minister pointed out that within the EU it is not easy to enforce national interests, but it is worth it, meaning that “it is better in than out” despite all difficulties. Therefore, he wholeheartedly recommended the possibility of intensive cooperation with the EU in which Hungary is happy to be a partner of Moldova.

Mr Orbán said Hungary understands Moldova’s situation and politics because the Hungarians themselves believe that “not a single country is able to change the place where it’s at” and therefore, it must pursue policies which logically follow from its geographical location.

Before the statement, the prime ministers signed a declaration of strategic partnership between the two countries, regarding which Mr Orbán said the agreement covers diplomatic cooperation as part of which Hungary will share its experiences related to European integration with Moldova, as well as economic issues as part of which the two countries seek to intensify economic cooperation. In this regard, he indicated that a credit line worth USD 100 million had been opened in the interest of promoting mutual economic activities.

They wish to extend the already ongoing cooperation in the banking and pharmaceutical sectors to agriculture and education, he informed the press, adding that they are working on the establishment of a joint educational institution which would be able to issue degrees which are valid both in Moldova and Hungary.

The Prime Minister observed that the health minister is also a member of the Moldovan delegation, and so they received first-hand information about the coronavirus situation and measures implemented in Moldova, while they also discussed opportunities of cooperation in the containment of the virus. This cooperation could involve coordination regarding equipment and experts.

Prime Minister Ion Chicu said Mr Orbán’s visit to Chisinau will give the development of partnership between the two countries a new impetus. He stressed that relations have been excellent also to date, and there is a dynamic dialogue between Hungary and Moldova.

The Moldovan Prime Minister thanked Hungary for the support it provided for his country’s modernisation and reforms as well as for the Hungarian projects currently under way in Moldova.

At the same time, he also said despite a good many success stories, there are still many unexplored opportunities of cooperation between the two countries.

Mr Chicu reassured the Hungarian bank OTP – which has been present in Moldova for some time – of his country’s support in the extension of its operations.

Regarding the signed strategic agreement, he said its main objective is to intensify and broaden bilateral relations, and to support Moldova’s Euro-Atlantic integration process.

During the rest of the programme, the prime ministers will speak at the Hungarian-Moldovan business forum held simultaneously with the official visit. Later, Mr Orbán will have talks with President of the Republic Igor Dodon and Speaker of the Parliament of Moldova Zinaida Greceanii.

(MTI)