The initialing of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between Moldova and the EU in Vilnius does not pose a threat to the prospects of the Moldovan-Russian commercial and economic relations. On the contrary, Moldova will become more attractive for its commercial partners, said Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman, who recently met with her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, IPN reports.

The minister told a news conference that after the provisions of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU are implemented, Moldova’s export capacity will be strengthened, while the quality of the products will increase considerably. The provisions of this agreement are not in contradiction with the fact that Moldova is a party to the Free Trade Agreement of the CIS member states.

“The Russian side was invited to tell us about the preferred integrationist model. For its part, Moldova will inform the Russian partners from different institutions and bodies, including civil society, about our strategic option that is supported by most of the people” said the minister.

Natalia Gherman also said that she saw no element of blackmail on the part of Russia in the context of the Eastern Partnership Summit of Vilnius. “I saw my Russian colleague’s very great interest in continuing the dialogue on sectors,” she added.

In the meeting with Natalia Gherman in Moscow, Sergey Lavrov said the Russian authorities respect Moldova’s choice to become part of the EU, but would like to discuss the future options in the migration and energy sectors with the Moldovan officials. He underlined that they should confer on all the aspects of the cooperation in the energy sphere given the energy packages imposed by the EU. The Russian side wants to know how the regulations imposed on Moldova in the economic spheres will influence the relations between the two states.