Merkel arrives in Chisinau on brief visit
CHISINAU. Aug 22 (Interfax) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in the Moldovan capital on Wednesday on a short formal visit.
At the Chisinau airport, she was welcomed by Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Iurie Leanca and other officials, an Interfax correspondent said on Wednesday. Merkel was greeted by the honor guard and the presidential military band performed the two countries' anthems.
The German chancellor was treated to the traditional bread-and-salt and a glass of red wine which was poured, according to an old Moldovan tradition, from a clay jar.
Shortly after the arrival there will be a meeting of the heads of government, followed by a meeting between the governmental delegations and a meeting with both countries' business representatives.
The German chancellor will also meet with Moldovan parliament faction leaders and President Nicolae Timofti.
Merkel is due to make a speech before the Moldovan political elite at the Palace of Republic at 6 p.m. and attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Stefan cel Mare monument in central Chisinau at 6:35 p.m.
Later in the evening, Prime Minister Filat will host a formal dinner in Merkel's honor in a restaurant at the Cricova winery. The chancellor is leaving Chisinau later tonight.
