Moldovan president hails relations with Turkey

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW

Moldova’s president on Thursday hailed Turkey's active investment in the country.

In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Igor Dodon said Ankara has invested $80 million in humanitarian projects in the country.

"About 10 days ago Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan came to Moldova on an official visit," he said.

“That was the first official visit in about 24 years, as there were working visits, but this is different and characterizes the development of Turkish-Moldovan relations.”

A host of bilateral projects was discussed during the meeting, including security issues, infrastructure, and Moldova’s neutral status, he said.

"We signed an agreement on strategic partnership,” he explained.

“Turkey actively helps and invests in Moldova, as in the last 20 years alone it has invested more than $80 million in humanitarian projects. Especially in Gagauzia, Turkey has been doing large infrastructure projects, reconstructing schools and roads."

Gagauzia is an autonomous region in Moldova that is home to a mostly Gagauz population -- an Orthodox Christian, Turkic community.

Soon Turkey will enter the Moldovan banking system, he added.

Five important agreements were signed during Erdogan’s visit last month, including a passport-free regime which lets citizens of both countries travel back and forth using their national ID cards, Dodon said.

"President Erdogan's visit to Moldova was also an important sign to the international community of serious political support," he said.

This progress in Turkish-Moldovan relations is possible thanks to Erdogan’s personal qualities, said Dodon.

"President Erdogan is a very open man and a strong leader, a world-class politician. The fact that he found the time and accepted my invitation to come to Moldova is very important for us, we appreciate it very much," he said.