U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken reiterated the United States’ commitment to support the Moldovan authorities in their efforts aimed at strengthening the European course, which would increase the political and economic independence of Moldova. “The U.S. and the EU will be permanently near you in achieving this objective,” the American official said in a meeting with President Nicolae Timofti on March 3, IPN reports.
According to the presidential press service, Anthony J. Blinken said the positive developments in Moldova will depend on the way in which corruption is combated, the business climate is improved and the energy sources are diversified. In this connection, he stressed the necessity of operationalizing and extending the Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline. The diplomat also spoke about the importance of enhancing the competitiveness of the Moldovan companies, including by attracting direct investments to Moldova, so as to use the opportunities for exporting goods to the EU market.
For his part, Nicolae Timofti underlined Moldovan authorities’ readiness to make concerted effort to deepen the political association and economic integration with the EU. He thanked the United States for the support provided for the democratic processes in Moldova and for the considerable financial assistance offered to the country.
