The Republic of Moldova will further benefit from the UK’s support in its efforts to overcome the negative consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine, in the fight against grand corruption and the holding of fugitive oligarchs accountable, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicu Popescu stated in a news conference held together with his British counterpart James Cleverly, who is in Chisinau on a visit, IPN reports.
“It is very clear that in this difficult period, we are not alone. We have powerful friends and enjoy their unwavering support. The UK is one of our main commercial partners and in this regard we aim to advance the negotiations on the amendment of the provisions of the strategic partnership and cooperation agreement, which would enable to eliminate the tariff quotas for a series of Moldovan produces, including appeals plums, grapes, cherries, juice, tomatoes and garlic, so that our agricultural producers export to more markets,” said Nicu Popescu.
The official noted that in the meeting, they discussed the mutual recognition of driver’s licenses and the liberalization of roaming services. Special emphasis will be placed on the stepping up of the joined efforts to fight grand corruption. He welcomed the sanctions imposed by the UK on the two wanted oligarchs, noting that one of these fugitives tries to bring violence to the streets, to destabilize the Republic of Moldova, but the authorities manage to ensure there is peace and stability in the country.
For his part, Foreign Secretary of the UK James Cleverly said that he fully realizes the difficulties faced by the Republic of Moldova owing to the war on the border. “I want to underline the Republic of Moldova’s contribution to handling these unprecedented challenges. You welcomed almost a million Ukrainian refugees who had to flee their homes. I think it would be right to say that the Republic of Moldova is a small country with a big heart. I want you to know that you are not alone. The United Kingdom will stand by you together with the international partners. We support the Republic of Moldova, support the reforms in the defense sector and already make use of the great results of the cooperation between our armed forces,” stated James Cleverly.
The Brash official noted that measures will be further taken with regard to those who robbed the Republic of Moldova and hide from justice. “We condemn those Moldovan oligarchs who systematically had stolen from the citizens of this country during many years. We fully support this government’s actions to ensure justice. That’s why we sanctioned two persons for gross acts of corruption. We froze their assets and banned them from traveling in the United Kingdom. We work with the Republic of Moldova in the field of cybersecurity and offer strategic assistance in combating Russia’s hybrid war targeting you. The people in the Republic of Moldova made a clear choice for democracy and freedom,” noted James Cleverly.
Nicu Popescu reiterated that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a threat to world order, international law, stability, food security and energy supply and the negative effects of this war and this aggression are definitely felt in the Republic of Moldova. “Moldova does not face military threats. Moldova faces hybrid threats – protesters who are paid by Russia and oligarchs who want to bring violence to our streets. But our institutions and the government showed that we know to keep stability and peace in this country and will further keep stability and peace in our country. All the citizens of the Republic of Moldova know the negative effects of the war, but we managed and will further manage to keep peace, calmness and stability,” stated the Moldovan official.
James Cleverly added in this connection that the Republic of Moldova is on the correct path – the path of democracy.
