Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu paid a working visit to Moldova on 12-13 May. This was the first visit to Chisinau by a Turkish foreign minister since the proclamation of Moldova's independence. The visit by Minister Davutoglu was significant, given that it took place in 2012, when the 20th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Moldova and Turkey is marked, the Foreign and European Integration Ministry's (MAEIE) information and media communication service has reported. The Moldovan and Turkish foreign ministers expressed satisfaction with the positive dynamic of the bilateral diplomatic ties, as well as with the existence of a solid political dialogue between the two states' governments and parliaments. The head of the Moldovan diplomacy thanked the Turkish government for the constant support provided over the past 20 years of Moldova's independence. In this context, Foreign and European Integration Minister Iurie Leanca praised the actions taken by the Turkish cabinet to step up bilateral cooperation within programmes implemented by the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) in such sectors as economy, education, agriculture, infrastructure, humanitarian area, domestic affairs, tourism. Ahmet Davutoglu expressed interest in fostering Turkish investments in Moldova, as well as in growing the trade exchanges between the two countries. The two ministers reiterated their willingness to complete talks and sign agreements on mutual visa abolition by late 2012, on readmission and on a free trade regime. The two top diplomats also exchanged opinions on subjects of common interest included on the global security agenda, laying the emphasis on regional cooperation among the Black Sea countries. Leanca and Davutoglu spoke in favour of establishing a strategic partnership between the two countries to help deepen bilateral ties. Within the visit, the two ministers signed a protocol on cooperation between the Moldovan and Turkish governments in the archives area. The agenda of the visit by the head of the Turkish diplomacy included meetings with the Moldovan president and prime minister, as well as with the leadership of the Gagauz-Yeri autonomous territorial unit from southern Moldova.