Neighbors Romania, Moldova sign deals to boost their ties

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — European Union member Romania and neighboring Moldova, one of Europe’s poorest nations, have signed a string of cooperation deals following joint governmental meetings in Moldova’s capital Chisinau. The deals signed Friday included Romania granting Moldova 100 million euros ($114 million) in non-reimbursable aid for development projects. Agreements were reached on strengthening cooperation on investment and energy security, as well as fighting corruption and strengthening the rule of law. In 2014, Moldova — a former Soviet republic of around 3.5 million inhabitants — signed a deal with the EU to forge closer political and economic ties, but widespread corruption and a lack of reforms hindered development.