March 31, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today concluded a successful visit to Moldova, demonstrating Canada’s support for Moldova’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and integration into rich and diversified trade and investment networks via enhanced links with the European Union.
In Chisinau, Baird announced the creation of an honorary consul position to promote people-to-people exchanges and enhance economic ties. He also announced vital support for Moldovan civil society advocating for prosperity.
In addition, Baird met with Nicolae Timofti, President of Moldova, Iurie Leanca, Prime Minister of Moldova, and Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.
These meetings presented an opportunity for Canada to stand with Moldovans who aspire to a brighter economic future and to discuss Moldova’s rejection of any attempt by external parties to undermine the implementation and signing of agreements that Moldovans have freely chosen to adopt.
“Canada shares Moldova’s view that European Union integration is the best tool for encouraging democratic reform and for fostering greater economic prosperity,” said Baird. “Canada is pleased with the significant steps that Moldova has taken in its relations with the European Union.
“These meetings also provided an opportunity to discuss the situation in Ukraine and across the region. Canada remains extremely concerned about the ongoing crisis in Crimea and eastern Ukraine, and we continue to call for Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and fully reverse its occupation of Crimea.”
Baird met with Eugen Carpov, the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Transnistrian reintegration, to get a better understanding of the situation in Transnistria.
Accompanied by Canadian Member of Parliament and Chair of the Canada-Moldova Friendship Group, Corneliu Chisu, Baird paid a courtesy call on Igor Corman, Speaker of the Parliament of Moldova. They expressed their support for continued parliamentary cooperation and dialogue on democracy and governance issues.
“Canada commends Moldova for securing well-balanced relations with each of its neighbouring countries. Maintaining such positive relations will result in increased opportunities for Moldova’s citizens,” said Baird.
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