The State Duma plans to develop inter-parliamentary cooperation with Gagauzia, including parliamentary diplomacy, said Leonid Slutskiy, chairman of the CIS, Eurasian integration and compatriots committee, following his meeting with Irina Vlakh, elected head of Gagausian Autonomy, RIA Novosti reports.
Slutskiy noted that Gagauzia as an autonomy within Moldova has rather an independent position for developing relations with Russia and is committed to the Eurasian integration.
«The autonomy shares a very constructive approach, which allows Gagauzia, regardless of Kishinev's position, to get involved in a number of Eurasian cooperation programs. Some Gagauzian industries have already expressed their desire to cooperate within the scope of Eurasian projects," added Leonid Slutskiy.
The head of committee underscored the State Duma does not lose hope Moldova will also join the Eurasian integration.
In February 2014 Gagauzia held a referendum on the determination of a foreign policy vector. More than 98% of voters cast their ballots for the integration of Moldova in the Customs Union, then trade and economic association of Russia, Belorussia and Kazakhstan.
