The officials discussed Moldova-EU relations, as well as the situation in Moldova. Jose Manuel Barosso welcomed the Moldovan government's firm commitment to promote democratic reforms and implement the European standards. He said that he likes the name of the ruling coalition - Alliance for European Integration.

The EU official reconfirmed the European Union's commitment to consolidate relations with Moldova. He stressed that obvious progress has been recorded in bilateral cooperation following the change of the government in Chisinau.

Jose Manuel Barosso described as a success the launch of talks with the EU on an association agreement, an agreement on free trade, as well as the talks on human rights.

The European official also praised the progress of the EU evaluation mission as regards the initiation of negotiations on the liberalization of the visa regime.

The president of the European Commission said that actions are taken to start talks on the liberalization of the visa regime in Brussels on 15 June 2010.

The official said that it is important that Moldova implements the necessary domestic reforms, which will speed up the liberalisation of the visa regime.

"If you take correct decisions and act with determination, the path to the European integration will be quicker," Jose Manuel Barosso said.

Jose Manuel Barosso also referred to the constitutional reform in Moldova. He said that discussions on this subject are very important, and the suggestions of the Venice Commission come as a way out. "We expect Moldova to implement the Venice Commission's recommendations," the EU official said.

The president of the European Commission appreciated the Moldovan government's progress in the economic sector, emphasizing that Moldova managed to rapidly sign an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. He also stressed the increase in the EU'a assistance for Moldova starting from 2010. In the next three years, the EU's assistance for Moldova will grow by 80 per cent.

Prime Minister Vlad Filat thanked the European Union for its constant support for Moldova and reconfirmed the government's firm commitment to deepen relations with the EU.

The premier said that the government will further promote the democratic reforms and the European integration path.

Vlad Filat praised the important role of the EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova, pointing out the EU's role in the Transnistrian conflict settlement process as well.

The prime minister also referred to the latest evolutions in the Moldova-EU relations, stressing the launch of negotiations on an association agreement, as well as on the liberalization of the visa regime. The prime minister specified that the liberalization of the visa regime is very important for Moldova, as the citizens are the ones to feel its favourable effects.

Vlad Filat informed Jose Manuel Barosso about the situation in Moldova, touching upon the constitutional reform. The prime minister said that the government will act in line with recommendations of the foreign partners, whose support is extremely important.

"We will act strictly in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission," the prime minister said.

Vlad Filat congratulated Jose Manuel Barosso on his 54th birthday anniversary marked today.