CHISINAU, Rabi'II 29, 1436, February 18, 2015, SPA -- Moldova's parliament is expected on Wednesday to approve as prime minister 38-year-old businessman Chiril Gaburici, who promises to forge closer ties with Europe, Reuters reported. The country of 3.5 million, wedged between Ukraine and EU-member Romania, ratified a political and trade agreement with the European Union in July -- a move that means turning away from a future in a Russia-led customs union bloc. Ahead of parliament's vote on Wednesday, Gaburici said European integration and complying with EU agreements would be a top priority for his government. All would be done "to ensure that by 2018 the country can qualify to sign an agreement on associate membership in the EU," he said. --SPA 15:15 LOCAL TIME 12:15 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w