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Iliana Iotova: The Preservation of the Language and Identity of the Bulgarian Community in Moldova Is of Mutual Interest for Bulgaria and Moldova

Meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova Mihai Popsoi the president expresses political and practical support in the country's EU accession process 

Both Bulgaria and Moldova have an interest in the significant Bulgarian community in the country preserving its language, identity, culture and traditions. A common goal should also be to encourage investments, especially in Taraclia - a region densely populated by ethnic Bulgarians, so that the people there have prospects for development. This was stated by President Iliana Iotova at a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, Mihai Popsoi, who is visiting our country.

The Bulgarian head of state and the Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister noted the good bilateral relations and the importance of the Bulgarian diaspora as a bridge between the two countries. The President pointed out that within the framework of the plan for administrative-territorial reorganisation of Moldova, a consensus had been reached with mutual efforts to preserve the integrity of Taraclia. Iliana Iotova and Mihai Popsoi emphasised that the positive results of the transformation of the Taraclia University into a branch of the Angel Kanchev University of Ruse are already visible. In addition to the fact that the number of students has increased and the quality of education has improved, it is also an opportunity for the development of the region, said Minister Popsoi. The President also pointed to the need to stimulate Bulgarian investments in Moldova, proposing the creation of an industrial economic zone with the participation of both countries, which will reverse the negative demographic trends in the region.

The two also discussed the project for broadcasting a programme on the Bulgarian National Radio. This will also open up opportunities for students at the branch of the University of Ruse to get involved in and work for the radio program, said Iliana Iotova.

Iliana Iotova hailed Moldova's progress in the negotiations for accession to the European Union. Your country is showing rapid and sustainable progress in this process, which speaks of a very good organisation. In our person, you have a great ally on the path to European membership, said the President, stating the political and practical support that Bulgaria can provide. For his part, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, Mihai Popsoi, thanked Bulgaria for its constant and firm support on Moldova's European path.