Hungary wants to step up energy cooperation with Moldova, State Secretary Péter Szijjártó said on Wednesday. At a press conference after a meeting of the Hungary-Moldova joint economic committee, he stated that Moldovan electricity projects and linking Moldova’s network to European Union countries are areas Hungarian electricity provider MVM is interested in.

Establishing a direct air link between Budapest and Kishinev was also discussed. The State Secretary said Hungarian companies were also interested in maintenance of the fleet of the Moldovan airlines and contributing to water management projects.

Moldovan Deputy Minister of Economy Octavian Calmic pointed out that business cooperation with Hungary was crucial for his country, and trade turnover could be further boosted.

After the press conference, the two countries’ officials signed a cooperation agreement on behalf of the Hungarian Investment and Trade Agency (HITA) and Moldova's investment and export agency to promote direct links between companies.

Deputy Minister Calmic thanked Hungary for the country's support in Moldova's endeavours to join the EU. He also voiced hope that Moldova could conclude its associate membership and free trade agreements with the community before the end of 2013.

State Secretary Szijjártó and Deputy Minister Calmic are co-chairs of the Hungarian-Moldovan Joint Economic Committee.

(MTI, Prime Minister's Office)