By Ali Cura

CHISINAU, Moldova 

Deputy Prime Minister Hakan Cavusoglu said Tuesday the Turkey-Moldova trade volume had increased nine times since the first years of the new millennium.

Cavusoglu met his Moldovan counterpart and Economy Minister Octavian Calmic within framework of a Joint Economic Commission meeting in the Moldovan capital Chisinau.

Speaking in a joint news conference after the meeting, Cavusoglu said bilateral trade volume with Moldova was $45 million in the first years of the new millennium, however, it reached to $419 million in 2015.

"Our goal is reaching a volume of $1 billion in a short period," Cavusoglu said.

Cavusoglu said Gagauz Turks in Moldova were a bridge between Turkey and Moldova.

He added that the common culture Turks and Gagauz people share should turn to future projects that will provide investment, employment and welfare.

Calmic said the two countries had signed a free-trade agreement last year and this affected relations positively.

He also said investments by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in Moldova contributed to bilateral relations and said Turkish businessmen made investments in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia.

"We welcome Turkey's support to Moldova and we thank you," Calmic added.

Later, Cavusoglu also met Moldovan President Igor Dodon.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Cavusoglu said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had instructed TIKA to help restore the Moldovan presidency building.