The United States wants the Moldovan citizens to be able to decide their future without the interference of foreign sides, Senator John McCain said in a press beefing after the meeting with Deputy Head of Parliament Andrian Candu, IPN reports.

The senator said the U.S. cooperates with the Government of Moldova and will continue to do so, especially on the economic segment. The U.S. shares the fears concerning the recent actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin against the countries of the regions. “We, in the U.S. Congress, both the Republicans and the Democrats, will work together in order to draft a decision and penalize Russia for the taken acts. I have the conviction that the penalties will be adopted very soon,” stated the senator.

Andrian Candu said that Moldova approves of the U.S.’s contribution during the 22 years of cooperation. “The U.S. contributed over US$1 billion to different projects and programs for combating corruption and for the justice reforms,” he stated.

Senatorial McCain also had meetings with Prime Minister Iurie Leanca, President Nicolae Timofti, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman, Minister of Defense Valeriu Troenco and members of Moldova’s Parliament.

The visit forms part of the Strategic Dialogue between the United States and Moldova and is a signal of U.S support for the Moldovan citizens and the democratic and economic changes.