Stockholm - A European Union delegation including Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt was Friday to visit Moldova for talks with the new government, the Swedish EU presidency said Wednesday.

The EU said last month it was ready to strengthen its ties with Moldova following the appointment of a pro-European government led by Prime Minister Vlad Filat.

The government in Chisinau was formed after protracted negotiations following elections in July.

Parliament has yet to appoint a new president following the resignation in early September of Vladimir Voronin, who is also leader of the opposition Communist Party.

The EU delegation was scheduled to meet with Filat, Foreign Minister Iurie Leanca, the speaker of parliament Mihai Ghimpu, and Voronin, the EU statement said.

Sweden currently holds the rotating presidency of the 27-nation bloc.

Bildt was to be accompanied by Hughues Mingarelli, deputy director-general for external relations at the European Commission and EU special envoy for Moldova, Kalman Mizsei. Spain that takes over the EU presidency as of January 1 was also to be represented.

Moldova and five other former Soviet republics in May joined the EU's "Eastern Partnership." This programme provides the countries with 600 million euros (888 million dollars) in funding in return for democratic reform and closer economic integration. (dpa)