PHOTO // Norwegian Embassy to be opened in Moldovan capital

An Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway is set to be opened in Chisinau in the second half of this year. The announcement was made at a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popsoi and Norway’s Foreign Affairs Minister Espen Barth Eide, on a visit to Moldova.

The Moldovan diplomacy head highlighted the very good level of Moldovan–Norwegian relations in more areas of strategic importance.

“We had a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister of the Kingdom of Norway, Espen Barth Eide. We discussed the relations between our countries and how we can make the most of cooperation in the economic and energy sectors. We appreciate the decision of the Norwegian authorities to open, in the second half of this year, an embassy in Moldova. It is a clear sign that Norway is committed to strengthening its relationship with our country and to being closer to Moldova during an important period for our European path,” said Mihai Popsoi.

During the talks, the two sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in deepening bilateral cooperation in priority areas, including the economy, energy and investment, as well as in boosting trade exchanges. Minister Mihai Popsoi also expressed interest in developing direct air connectivity between Chisinau and Oslo, in order to facilitate economic and people-to-people contacts between the two states.

Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi thanked Norway for its constant support in strengthening institutional resilience, including in combating disinformation and countering external interference. At the same time, he conveyed Moldova’s readiness to share the experience and expertise gained in strengthening resilience with partner states.

The two ministers agreed to continue the dialogue and harness the potential of the Moldovan–Norwegian partnership for the benefit of both countries’ citizens.

Norway’s Foreign Affairs Minister Espen Barth Eide on May 15 will participate in the 135th Ministerial Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.