Ukraine and Moldova signed an intergovernmental agreement On Free Trade last Thursday in Chisinau. According to Interfax Ukraine, the signing ceremony took place after negotiations involving the two countries’ delegations headed by Presidents Leonid Kuchma of Ukraine and Vladimir Voronin of Moldova and held as part of Pres. Kuchma’s official visit to Moldova. The presidents signed a joint communique confirming their commitment to a broader and more active cooperation between our countries in political, economic, and humanitarian spheres based on the principles of neighborly relations and mutual benefit. The heads of state also confirmed their joint interest in accelerating the demarcation of the Ukrainian-Moldavian state border in line with the treaty On the State Border between Ukraine and Moldova in the spirit of friendship and good neighborliness. The presidents have agreed to coordinate the process of demarcation. The sides have also agreed to continue close cooperation on the issues of security and joint control of the Ukrainian-Moldavian border. Presidents Kuchma and Voronin agreed on the need to accelerate negotiations on the issues relating to the operation of the Dniester Hydroelectric Power Plant and the Moldavian Hydroelectric Power Plant as well as the environmental protection of the Dniester River basin. The sides have stressed the need to intensify efforts to peacefully resolve all differences over Transnistria and ensure the preservation of Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The document reads that Moldova highly appreciates Ukraine’s role and consistent stand in this process.
