Robert Fico: Life in the EU is not easy, but being a member of the EU is the best thing a country can do
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Dorin Recean, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovakia, Robert Fico, discussed in Bratislava the bilateral relations between the two countries, the European path of the Republic of Moldova and economic cooperation.
The Slovak Prime Minister emphasized his country's firm support for the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union. "Life there (in the EU - n.r.) is not as easy as it seems. We agreed that being a member of the EU is the best thing a country can do. Slovakia is a member of the EU and has made a lot of progress and I hope that the Republic of Moldova will have the same experience after accession. We want you to finish all negotiations soon to become a full member of the EU," the Slovak prime minister said in a press conference.
The discussions also focused on Slovakia's experience as an EU member state and on the concrete ways in which Slovakia can help the Republic of Moldova in its accession process. "Slovakia is ready to offer the Republic of Moldova all the experience we have from the accession period. There is already some exchange of experience in intellectual property or between statistical institutions. In the field of agriculture and the environment, we will regulate everything necessary, so that the experts from the Republic of Moldova can communicate and get the experience from our people", added Prime Minister Fico.
For his part, Dorin Recean welcomed Slovakia's support and emphasized the Republic of Moldova's firm commitment to European integration. "The Republic of Moldova is taking big steps, decisive steps on the way to integration into the European Union. The place of Moldovans is in the big European family and Slovakia’s support is important"*.
The two prime ministers announced that a protocol on double taxation avoidance was signed during the meeting, which will contribute to creating a more attractive business environment in both countries.
In this context, Dorin Recean invited Slovak investors to analyze business opportunities in the Republic of Moldova and pointed in particular the recently announced tender for renewable energy.
Prime Minister Recean's visit to Slovakia also included meetings with the President of the Republic of Slovakia, Zuzana Čaputová, and other Slovak officials.
