site.btaAcademic Exchange Programmes Discussed with Moldova

Sofia, April 5 (BTA) - Academic exchange programmes between Bulgaria and Moldova and the need to improve teaching standards at Taraclia State University were discussed between Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva and Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Iurie Leanca, who met in Sofia on Thursday.

Zaharieva told journalists that Bulgaria will make efforts to provide teaching staff from the Universities of Veliko Turnovo and Rousse for courses at Taraclia State University, an institution in Moldova co-funded by both countries. She thanked Moldova for helping to promptly establish a Bulgarian Consulate in Taraclia. "It is not just another consular service but a centre for assisting investments and people-to-people contacts," Zaharieva noted.

The town of Taraclia is one of the centres of the Bulgarian ethnic community in Moldova.

Leanca, whose mother is Bulgarian, said that he and Zaharieva have discussed details about how to improve the social, economic, and educational situation in Taraclia and other places in Moldova inhabited by Bulgarians. In the context of upgrading teaching practices at Taraclia State University, Leanca said this is a unique educational establishment in the region which is attractive not only to Bulgarians in Moldova. He pointed to the need for instructors in information technology.

Trade between the two countries has increased by 17.8 per cent and the tourist flow has expanded as well, but the potential is even greater, Zaharieva said.

She urged the EU to encourage Moldova to advance on the path it has chosen, the path of European integration. The current Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council prioritizes the European perspective not only of the Western Balkans but also of the Eastern Partnership countries, including Moldova, Zaharieva said. "Bulgaria was one of the first nations to ratify the association agreement, and we also want to support Moldova in obtaining its first tranche of financial aid," the Foreign Minister said.