Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and European Integration Minister Iurie Leanca today ended his diplomatic tour to the northern countries with a visit to Stockholm.

The head of the Moldovan diplomacy met Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, Minister of Cooperation for Development Gunilla Carlsson and Minister for Trade Ewa Bjorling of the Swedish Foreign Ministry. At the same time, the Moldovan delegation met members of the parliamentary committee in charge of foreign policy.

At the meetings, Minister Iurie Leanca thanked the Swedish authorities, especially the diplomacy, for the support given to Moldova to promote its European aspirations during the Swedish EU Presidency. The development of cooperation with Moldova on the EU dimension is important for the Swedish government, including from the viewpoint of ensuring adequate implementation of the objectives set within the Eastern Partnership, the representatives of the Swedish government said.

The sides discussed the development of talks on an association agreement between Moldova and the European Commission. They also analyzed prospects for starting dialogue on the liberalization of the visa regime. The Swedish officials highlighted the increased attention which they pay to the internal political situation in Moldova.

The officials also focused on a string of subjects, laying the emphasis on the economic ones. The sides emphasized the Swedish business people's interest in contributing to the identification of business partners and fields of investment in Moldova. A delegation of Swedish entrepreneurs will visit Moldova next May, and will participate in an economic forum organized in Chisinau.

Also next May, the Moldovan government and the Swedish Development Assistance Office will start discussions to approve the 2011-2013 Country Strategy.

During the visit to Stockholm, Minister Leanca held a course on Moldova s future at the Institute of Foreign Policy. Politicians, diplomats and scientists from Sweden participated in the training.

Traditionally, Leanca met representatives of the Moldovan diaspora in Sweden.