Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Prime Minister of Moldova Ion Chicu on the margins of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council’s meeting in Almaty.

Prime Minister Pashinyan said, “Honorable Mr. Prime Minister, I am very glad to meet you, and I want to once again congratulate you on being appointed Prime Minister of Moldova. Armenia and Moldova enjoy very good political relations: our countries boast a strong background of cultural and humanitarian linkages. Nevertheless, we cannot say too much about the level of our trade and economic relations, for which there are both objective and subjective reasons.

I think we have to upgrade our economic relations and trade turnover, which is a solvable task in the 21st century. I am prepared to endeavor in that direction. I mean our trade and economic relations, because I am confident that we have no problems in other areas.”

The Prime Minister of Moldova said:
“Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for your congratulations and kind remarks. We are pleased with our very good relations in cultural, humanitarian and other spheres. Of course, you were right to note that there is great potential for developing bilateral economic relations, since our countries have advantages in a number of spheres where we can develop cooperation.

Moldova has free trade regime with the EU, and considering the active stance of Armenia’s representatives, I think we will be able to make a better use of existing opportunities. Both Armenia and Moldova are represented in a number of commodity markets, but we are not rivals. Armenian brandy and other products are worth of high appreciation, of course.

We boast very good relations in terms of reforms. For instance, I had many interactions with your Ministry of Finance while working at the World Bank, where progressive reforms were being implemented. I mean we can promote and wind up cooperation in a wide range of areas.

And of course, we look forward to hosting you in the Republic of Moldova. Before coming here, I talked with President Dodon who conveyed warm greetings to you, saying that we are looking forth to your visit to Moldova.

Also, I do believe that the intergovernmental commission should resume its activities as it is a good platform for discussing issues and opportunities for the development of bilateral cooperation.”

The Armenian and Moldovan Premiers discussed a wide range of issues concerning the development of economic relations.