OREANDA-NEWS. January 18, 2007. Italy consistently supports and encourages Moldova's option in favor of the European values through the country's social and economic modernization, reported the Official website http://gov.md.

Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema made the above statement at meeting with Premier Vasile Tarlev in Chisinau.

The Italian foreign minister, on a working visit to Moldova, said that Italy will further support Moldova in the implementation of the reforms necessary for the country.

The head of the Italian diplomacy stressed that an important step in this respect will represent the opening of Italy's embassy in Chisinau, scheduled for 2008.

Massimo D'Alema informed about the Italian business community's interest in enhancing its presence on Moldova's market, given that new friendly investment and fiscal opportunities have been created in Moldova.

The prime minister thanked Italy for having consistently backing Moldova, including by the support offered in the European integration process and the country's reintegration.

Referring to the European integration option, the premier said that the term of implementation of the Moldova-European Union Action Plan expires next March, and in this period, it is necessary to set a clear-cut prospect as regards the future actions to this end.

The head of the executive declared for a more active promotion of the bilateral economic relations, as he said, there is the greatest collaboration potential in this field.

Vasile Tarlev welcomed the Italian business people's interest to invest in Moldova, stressing hat the government will keep on encouraging the investments in all the areas of common interest. The prime minister spoke for increasing the number of joint economic projects and opening of joint ventures.