Chisinau, 16 May /MOLDPRES/ - Visiting Prime Minister today met Israeli speaker of the Knesset (parliament) Reuven Rivlin, the government's communication and press relations department has reported.

Presently, Reuven Rivlin serves as acting president, given the fact that Israeli President Shimon Peres is recovering after a recent surgery.

Reuven Rivlin presented the Israeli parliament and its operation, noting that the country is led by a coalition.

"Like Moldova, Israel faces different problems, including economic ones. Although the neighbouring countries have different mineral resources, Israel has only good people and their love for their motherland. Moldova-born Israel residents did not forget their country of origin and spare no efforts to contribute to Israel's development. We know that you are a good prime minister, because we have seen your compatriots and their actions in Israel," Reuven Rivlin said.

The two officials ascertained the positive trend recorded in relations between the two states, including in the parliamentary field. At the same time, they advocated the consolidation of the bilateral dialogue. The sides praised the activity of the Israeli-Moldova friendship group, noting that there is still a great potential that should be turned to account. Moreover, the two officials spoke in favour of extending the bilateral juridical framework.

Filat thanked for the meeting, stating that Moldova advocates the deepening of bilateral ties for citizens' benefit. The prime minister reviewed the meetings held in Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv on the sidelines of his official visit. In the context, he noted that the Moldovan-Israeli joint inter-governmental commission would hold a meeting in Tel-Aviv on 11 September, after which the Israeli prime minister would visit Moldova.

Filat spoke about Moldova's democratization path and its European Integration efforts.

"Moldova-born people, who presently reside in Israel, had worked in our country. Presently, they contribute to Israel's development. Yet, they will be always welcome to Moldova," Filat said.

The prime minister thanked the Israeli partners for technical and humanitarian assistance.

The sides also discussed the eventual establishment of a visa-free regime for Moldovans travelling to Israel.

At the end of the meeting, the Moldovan delegation visited the Knesset building.

Also today, the Moldovan delegation had a meeting with Israeli National Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau. The sides broached several issues concerning water and sewerage supply, infrastructure, etc. In the context, Filat said that Israel's experience in this field is very useful for Moldova, noting that supplying Moldovans with quality drinking water is among the priorities of the Moldovan government. The officials agreed to exchange experience between Israeli and Moldovan specialists in this sector so that the best practices be implemented in Moldova as well.