Bucharest reaffirms Romania's support for Moldova in agriculture sector

Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ludmila Catlabuga today paid a working visit to Bucharest, where she had an official meeting with her counterpart Florin-Ionuț Barbu, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Romania. The exchange of ideas between the two ministers emphasized their mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture.

Amid increasingly complex challenges facing agriculture at the regional and global level—from climate change and market volatility to food security—the two ministers discussed the opportunity to advance together in implementing measures to strengthen farmers' resilience and speed up the modernization of the agricultural sector. Romania reaffirmed its openness to support Moldova through the transfer of expertise and technical assistance in the process of legislative harmonization and implementation of European agricultural policies.

Ludmila Catlabuga highlighted the constant support provided by Romania in the modernization journey, particularly noting the contribution of the Agency of Payments and Interventions for Agriculture, whose experience has served as a reference for developing financial support mechanisms in Moldova.

“We particularly appreciate the close collaboration between our institutions, the exchange of experience and expertise, as well as the support provided in the process of harmonizing legislation and aligning with European standards,” said Ludmila Catlabuga.

For his part, Minister Florin Barbu reiterated Romania's firm support for Moldova's European path and emphasized the importance of deepened technical and institutional collaboration.

“Romania stays a reliable partner for Moldova, especially at this crucial stage of aligning with European standards. The exchange of best practices and expertise is essential for the development of modern and sustainable agriculture on both sides of the Prut River,” declared Florin-Ionuț Barbu.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Romanian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, including the general directors of the agricultural policy, rural development, food industry and international relations departments, as well as the general director of the Agency of Payments and Interventions for Agriculture, Tinel Gheorghe.

Also, the deputy director of the Agency for Intervention and Payments for Agriculture (AIPA), Diana Coșalîc, participated on behalf of Moldova’s delegation.

The meeting was held with the support of the Embassy of Moldova in Romania.