On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, President Maia Sandu had bilateral discussions with European leaders, namely the President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset, the President of Slovakia Zuzana Čaputová and the Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson. The discussions centered on Moldova’s path to the EU, the implementation of reforms and the strengthening of the bilateral relations, IPN reports.

President Sandu also had discussions with Victoria Nuland, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs. In the meeting, she thanked the U.S. for its constant support.

According to the presidential press service, on her first day at the UN General Assembly, Maia Sandu underscored the progress made by the country to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, climbing to the 25th spot in the 2023 UN Rankings, up from the 48th spot in 2021.

“Despite the recent challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine, Moldova strengthened its commitment to the SDG. The President underlined the measures taken in the energy sector to diversify the energy supply sources and to develop a legislative framework for producing energy from renewable sources,” it is said in a press release.

Also, the Center for European Policy Analysis conferred the 2023 Freedom Fighter Award on President Sandu, recognizing this way the Moldovans’ commitment to democracy and the values of the free world. In her speech, the Moldovan official noted the state’s resolve to cope with the challenges, including with the impact of the war in Ukraine and the hybrid threats against Moldova.