Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the assistance of the Council of Europe is extremely important and valuable, especially in the context of the current challenges, particularly of those related to the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine. “We are determined more than ever to advance with firm steps in our country’s reform agenda, to combat the threats to the rule of law,” the official said in a meeting with Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić at the beginning of his visit to Strasbourg, IPN reports.

During the discussions, the officials conferred on the recent developments related to the political situation in the Republic of Moldova, the process of joining the EU and the dynamics of the regional situation.

“We discussed the assistance provided by the Council of Europe, especially through the action plans for the Republic of Moldova, and the importance of projects implemented in the fields of independence and efficiency of the judiciary, the fight against corruption and money laundering, legislation, electoral practice and protection of refugees from Ukraine,” said Mihai Popșoi.

In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that the CoE Secretary General welcomed the Moldovan authorities’ determination in the process of doing democratic reforms in accordance with the European standards. “The official assured of the continuation of the Council of Europe’s support within the future Action Plan that will focus on justice, the fight against corruption and other key areas so as to support the efforts to strengthen state institutions,” said Deputy Prime Minister Popșoi.