The Republic of Moldova and the U.S. state of North Carolina signed a revised and completed version of the memorandum of cooperation for the next five years. Prime Minister Dorin Recean noted that this year marks 25 years since the establishment of the cooperation partnership with North Carolina. During this period, multiple activities and projects have been carried out in the educational sector, in the security and defense sector and also in the field of humanitarian cooperation. “It is support with a direct beneficial impact on our citizens, especially children, students, socially vulnerable categories, for which we remain grateful to our friends from North Carolina,” Premier Recean said at a press conference following the signing of the document, IPN reports.

North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall said that it’s a significant moment as the sixth memorandum of understanding was signed to renew a vital partnership and move forward from 2025. The partnership between North Carolina and the Republic of Moldova has never been more important than now, at this extraordinary moment in history, when the country faces these complex crises, including concerns about the Russian aggression, with disinformation. “This partnership has a tremendous impact on the Republic of Moldova’s goal of joining the European Union by 2030 and we will do everything we can to ensure that you are successful in building a more prosperous, secure and developed country,” stated Elaine Marshall. The American official noted that the friendship between Moldova and North Carolina is one thing that will never change and this friendship is officially renewed with the signing of this agreement.

President Maia Sandu conferred the highest state award “Order of the Republic” on North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall.