ATM News Network: India and Moldova have taken significant steps towards strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture. In a recent meeting at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, and Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture & Food Industries, Mr. Vladimir Bolea, engaged in discussions to enhance agricultural ties between the two nations. The ministers agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster bilateral trade in agricultural commodities and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and technology.
With a diplomatic relationship spanning 31 years, India and Moldova seek to leverage their friendly ties for mutual agricultural benefits. The talks revolved around avenues to enhance bilateral trade in agricultural commodities, utilizing each country's strengths to foster productive collaboration. The ministers underlined the potential for both sides to gain from sharing knowledge and technology in the agriculture sector, an approach that would contribute to the growth of both nations' agricultural industries.
During the meeting, Minister Sushri Shobha Karandlaje highlighted the United Nations' declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYOM). She underscored the health and environmental advantages of millets, emphasizing their importance in contemporary agriculture. Both ministers recognized the immense potential for augmenting bilateral trade and expressed the desire to tap into this opportunity for mutual growth.
Mr. Bolea's proposal to sign an MoU in the field of agriculture was well-received by Minister Karandlaje. This proposed MoU would establish a structured framework for cooperation and engagement, facilitating the exchange of technology, best practices, and expertise. The MoU would act as a catalyst for intensifying collaboration between the two countries, providing a solid foundation for future agricultural endeavors.
Additionally, Moldova showcased its friendly bilateral relations by expressing support for India's bid for UN Security Council membership in 2027. Mr. Bolea informed that Moldova, a candidate for EU membership, aligns with EU standards for product safety and quality. This commitment to international standards signifies Moldova's dedication to enhancing its agricultural output.
The meeting also highlighted Moldova's interest in trading with India, including the export of vegetable oils and the import of fertilizers and pesticides. Moldova's emphasis on its wine and apple production as cultural assets, coupled with its intention to export these products to India, further signifies the cooperative spirit between the two nations.
Concluding the discussions, Minister Karandlaje extended an invitation to visit Moldova, which holds the promise of strengthening bilateral relations and fostering deeper cooperation.With both countries poised to sign the MoU and further explore technological exchanges, this significant step promises to elevate agricultural collaboration between India and Moldova, reinforcing their commitment to mutual growth and prosperity.