Moldova and Hungary are in favor of expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation
This was stated during a meeting held in Chisinau between Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popşoi and Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó. According to the Foreign Ministry, the sides discussed Hungary's support for Moldova's European integration process, cooperation projects in the security and resilience enhancement fields, as well as the use of the trade and economic potential of the two states. The sides also discussed economic cooperation, cultural and educational exchanges. Mihai Popşoi said that the trade between the two states is on the rise, while the resumption of Budapest-Chisinau flights by the Hungarian company Wizz Air provides important links between Chisinau and a number of Western European cities. Mihai Popşoi expressed gratitude to the Hungarian government, which organizes study visits and trainings for Moldovan civil servants, within an action plan for the exchange of knowledge in the European integration field. The sides agreed on new such visits, which will start next week with the visit to Budapest of 32 representatives of Moldovan local authorities, including mayors, to study the Hungarian experience of regional development. During the joint press conference, Mihai Popşoi emphasized the importance of Hungary's full and unconditional support for Moldova's European aspirations. “We are well aware that the main goal of our society is European integration and compliance with the fundamental values of the European project. We have a firm conviction, stemming not only from words, but also from the decisions already taken within the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, that we can fully count on Hungary's support in the process of our advancement on the European integration path,” Moldovan Foreign Minister said. In the context of cooperation in the security sector, Mihai Popşoi asked Hungary to back, within the EU framework, projects on the modernization of Moldova's national security sector. “We are deeply concerned about the numerous crises with devastating consequences for international security. In this sense, we are in favor of joining efforts in maintaining and strengthening the international order based on the principles of international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states,” Deputy Prime Minister said. For his part, Hungarian Foreign and Trade Minister Péter Szijjártó reiterated Hungary's commitment to back Moldova in its modernization and European integration efforts. He said that, during its presidency of the European Union, Hungary is seriously focused on promoting the enlargement issue and will provide Moldova with all the support so that Moldova speeds up the integration process. “The Hungarian presidency is followed by the Polish one, so we will have two consecutive presidencies in favor of enlargement, which is very good for Moldova,” the Hungarian diplomatic chief said. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Moldovan exports to Hungary in the first half of 2024, compared to the same period of 2023, decreased by 32.7% - to $17 million, while imports to Moldova from Hungary decreased by 10.2% - to $87.6 million over the same period. As a result, the negative balance of Moldova's trade with Hungary in January-June 2024 amounted to $70.6 million, down by 2.2% compared to the same period of 2023. // 06.09.2024 - InfoMarket.
