President Iliana Iotova: 'Preserving the Bulgarian Community’s Language and Identity in Moldova Is in Both Countries’ Interest

Both Bulgaria and Moldova have an interest in ensuring that the sizeable Bulgarian community in Moldova preserves its language, identity, culture and traditions. Encouraging investment, particularly in Taraclia, a region with a large ethnic Bulgarian population, should also be a shared priority so that local residents have better prospects for development, President Iliana Iotova said this at a meeting with Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi, who is visiting Bulgaria, the head of state’s press secretariat said on September 9.

The Bulgarian President and Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister noted the good bilateral relations between the two countries and the importance of the Bulgarian diaspora as a bridge between them.

The President noted that, as part of Moldova’s administrative and territorial reform, a consensus had been reached through joint efforts to preserve the territorial integrity of Taraclia.

They also pointed to the positive results already achieved following the transformation of Taraclia State University into a branch of the Angel Kanchev University of Ruse. "Not only has the number of students increased and the quality of education improved, but the branch also provides an opportunity for the development of the region," Popsoi said.

The President also stressed the need to encourage Bulgarian investment in Moldova, proposing the creation of an industrial economic zone involving the two countries, which would reverse the region’s negative demographic trends.

The meeting also discussed a project for the Bulgarian National Radio to broadcast a programme in Moldova. This would also create opportunities for students at the University of Ruse branch in Taraclia to take part in and work for the radio programme, Iliana Iotova said.

Iliana Iotova welcomed Moldova’s progress in negotiations on accession to the European Union. “Your country is showing rapid and sustained progress in this process, which demonstrates very good organisation. You have a strong ally in us on the path towards European membership,” the President said, reaffirming the political and practical support Bulgaria can provide.

For his part, Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi thanked Bulgaria for its consistent and firm support for Moldova’s European path.