Moldova has joined 4 packages of EU's Russia sanctions - foreign minister

CHISINAU. Nov 15 (Interfax) - Chisinau has joined the European Union's sanctions on Russia while taking into account their effects on Moldova's economy, Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicu Popescu said.

"Moldova has supported most of the European Union's statements and sanctions concerning Russia's aggression in Ukraine," Popescu said at a press conference on Wednesday.

Before taking any steps in this field, Chisinau will analyze the influence of these steps on the national economy, he said.

"Our main goal is to preserve Moldova's stability and security. We join sanctions only after the relevant agencies carry out a careful analysis. There have been six packages of EU sanctions against Russia. We have joined four of them," Popescu said.

At the same time, Popescu categorically dismissed allegations that decisions on joining sanctions against Russia have been blocked by Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Vladimir Bolea, fearing that Moldovan agricultural producers might lose the Russian market.

"We make collective decisions. State institutions analyze the situation and submit their proposals. In joining sanctions, we seek to minimize consequences for the Moldovan economy. This was the case with the energy sector, and this is the case with agricultural exports, as well. We have signed free trade agreements with the EFTA [European Free Trade Association] countries, are holding negotiations to sign a new agreement with Turkey, are preparing to sign one with Egypt, and have opened an embassy in India. We have taken all these steps to widen the geography of our agricultural exports so that our producers don't suffer," Popescu said.

EU Ambassador to Moldova Janis Mazeiks said on Tuesday that the EU expected Moldova to gradually join sanctions on Russia.