Moldova’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicolae Popescu has asked the United States government to provide a new assistance program for Moldova through the foreign aid agency Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). Popescu has told a press conference following a visit to Washington that Moldova had similar discussions in the past, but our country didn't meet the anti-corruption standards required for a renewal of assistance.

It has been agreed that common efforts will be made to unblock the situation and reduce the level of corruption in Moldova, which will unlock further foreign assistance. “Absolutely everyone I met in the United States assured me of the willingness to support Moldova in this new stage of its history,” stated Popescu.

According to him, for more than a year MCC had been reluctant to consider any aid for Moldova because of last year’s political developments in Chisinau, but now the agency is ready to relaunch and accelerate the projects involving Moldova.

In ten days, a U.S. delegation is expected to arrive in Chisinau to evaluate the for assistance. “The Moldovan Government, too, will carry out an assessment to identify the priority areas where further American assistance will be requested,” said Nicolae Popescu, adding that priorities will likely include fight against corruption and improvement of the business climate to foster investment.

On another note, Minister Popescu said that he agreed with Moldovan diaspora members to create a task force that will collect suggestions for improving consular services.