President Rumen Radev was categorically assured by his Moldovan counterpart Igor Dodon that the territorial and administrative reform undertaken by Moldova will not affect the status and integrity of the Taraclia district, which is populated by ethnic Bulgarians. The topic of the rights of the Bulgarian minority in Moldova was raised by the Bulgarian President at his meeting with Igor Dodon, which was held in New York within the 74^th regular session of the UN General Assembly.

At the talks the close friendly relations and the active political dialogue between the two countries was highlighted. The two Presidents stressed the positive contribution to the bilateral cooperation of the large Bulgarian diaspora in Moldova, which is fully integrated. In President Radev’s words, the preservation of the current status of Taraclia, where 63,000 ethnic Bulgarians live, is vital for them and for the preservation of their national, cultural and language identity.

President Radev was also assured that the Moldovan side will do its best so that the Gregory Tsamblak University of Taraclia is transformed into a branch of the Angel Kanchev University of Ruse. Before Rumen Radev’s visit to Moldova, planned for 2020, a Bulgarian delegation will visit the University to specify the details concerning the transformation. Rumen Radev also raised the topic of improving the teaching conditions at the University of Taraclia, of expanding the majors and the forms of teaching.