Moldova names new foreign minister

BUCHAREST, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean announced on Wednesday that Vice President of Parliament Mihai Popsoi will take over as the new minister of foreign affairs.

"Starting next week, the responsibilities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be assumed by the current Vice President of Parliament, Mihai Popsoi. I want to express my gratitude to Mr. Popsoi for joining the government team," said Recean in a government session in Chisinau.

Recean also revealed plans to establish a new government ministry, the Ministry for European Affairs, which will be headed by the current Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov.

"The portfolio of European integration will be entrusted to Cristina Gherasimov, who will lead the Ministry for European Affairs, overseeing the activities of the European Integration Bureau," added the prime minister.

Nicu Popescu announced earlier on Wednesday that he is leaving the position of foreign minister. ■