The past and future of Moldova have their roots in Europe. The United States considers that the European integration is the best guarantee for a safe and prosperous future for Moldova. The EU offered Moldova a historical opportunity of cementing the European future of its people, said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who visited Moldova on December 4, IPN reports.
“I congratulate the people of Moldova on the initialing of the Association Agreement, which provides for the creation of a Free Trade Area with the EU, at the Vilnius Summit, and I promise you American support in the implementation of these accords. We are convinced that Moldova’s commitment on the reform path will inspire investments and the financial institutions’ confidence,” said the U.S. official.
John Kerry said the U.S. and the EU consider that the European integration represents not only a starting point. Today Moldova is able to choose its future by working with partners from the world and the whole Europe. “The future of this country can be defined by the strength of its ties with a dynamic continent that enables Moldova to have access to diversified markets and to a platform in the world,” he stated.
He added that the assistance programs of the U.S. facilitated progress in the winemaking sector of Moldova and helped increase the competitiveness in this historical sector. The United States will sponsor a commercial mission. Some of the most famous Moldovan specialists in winemaking will go to the U.S. to learn techniques for entering the U.S. market.
Prime Minister Iurie Leanca said that John Kerry’s visit represents a continuation of the open and constructive dialogue established over the last few years. The Moldovan authorities realize that the reforms should be hastened so as to establish veritable rule of law, the respect for the human rights and the principles of market economy. “Moldova wants to strengthen the privileged relations with the U.S. by creating a durable, strategic partnership. We are for an increased role of the United States in the region and for a more active involvement in the Transnistrian conflict settlement process so as to identify a viable solution to the dispute,” stated the Premier.
He also said that the United States contributed directly to Moldova’s modernization by providing considerable assistance over the last 22 years, of over US$1.1 billion, including US$262 million allocated through the Millennium Challenge Corporation for repairing national roads and building irrigation systems.
On the occasion of the U.S. official’s visit, there was launched the national brand “Moldova’s Wines”. John Kerry received from Iurie Leanca an oak box, made in national style, with four bottles that represent the main range of the Moldovan wines and divines. He was also presented a box of over 500 bottles of red wines of a high quality that will be kept at the Cricova Wine Complex.
John Kerry is travelling to several countries from December 3 to 6. On December 3, he went to Brussels, where he attended the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Foreign Ministerial and associated meetings. In Jerusalem, the official will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss a range of issues including Iran and the negotiations with the Palestinians. In Ramallah, Secretary Kerry will meet with President Mahmoud Abbas.
