CHISINAU. Oct 19 (Interfax-AVN) - Moldova intends to begin negotiations on the singing of an agreement on associated membership with the EU, said Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat.
"The new document will consist of three main sections: the solution of the Transdniestrian conflict, liberalization of the visa regime, and the creation of free exchange zones between the EU and Moldova," Filat told a press conference following the visit to Chisinau by Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt (Sweden currently chairs the EU).
Filat said the first group of EU experts will come to Chisinau next week to initiate talks on this matter.
"For the current administration of Moldova, the number one priority is European integration, and that is why it is important to begin negotiations on the new agreement with the EU," Filat said.
In response to a question about when the document may be signed, Filat said that "the document will be comprehensive, and therefore it can be signed later than the beginning of next year."
Bildt, in tern, reiterated that "the new agreement will become an important step take by Moldova in the process in European integration."
"Moldova will not have enough time to sign this document during Sweden's chairmanship because Spain will become chair of the EU on January 1, 2010. In addition, Moldova can continue to conduct negotiations on the new agreement on free trade with the EU," Bildt said.