Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini following her meeting with the Prime Minister of Moldova, Chiril Gaburici

Today's visit of Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici to Brussels, his first visit abroad after taking up office, is an important signal of the Republic of Moldova´s continued political will to pursue close cooperation with the European Union.

I discussed with the Prime Minister today the way forward in the implementation of the Association Agreement we signed last year, in particular the need to step up reforms and to deliver on the Republic of Moldova´s commitments to modernise the country. The EU will continue supporting the Republic of Moldova´s reform endeavours in consolidating the rule of law, good governance and transparency in the financial sector.

We have equally had an open exchange on the importance to intensify efforts towards reaching a comprehensive, peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova with a special status for Transnistria.

I am looking forward to working with Prime Minister Gaburici and his government. We will together hold the first EU-Republic of Moldova Association Councilin just a few weeks. We will work together on the preparation of the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga.