The subjects discussed in Washington included the regional situation and the Republic of Moldova’s efforts to efficiently manage the humanitarian crisis caused by the unjustified war in Ukraine, said Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu, who had a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, IPN reports.
“I reaffirmed the importance of fostering and extending the Moldova-U.S. relations through the Strategic Dialogue that is an efficient platform for realizing the Moldova-U.S. cooperation potential. I expressed my confidence that the Strategic Dialogue will contribute to supporting the economic development, strengthening democratic institutions, fighting corruption, advancing the justice sector reform, improving the investment climate, promoting digitization, developing infrastructure, strengthening the Republic of Moldova’s energy security and resilience,” said Nicu Popescu, being quoted in a press release.
The official underlined the importance of the U.S. assistance, including the one offered through USAID and other U.S. government agencies in ensuring the continuous modernization of the country. He thanked for the prompt assistance of US$130 million provided by the U.S. administration to Moldova to support the continuous economic development, strengthen democracy, increase energy resilience and manage the humanitarian crisis.
“I was glad to receive from the United States a message of appreciation for our country’s effort and for the generous support we offered to the Ukrainian refugees. I also welcomed the full assistance offered in implementing the country’s modernization agenda, managing the socioeconomic challenges and in supporting our irreversible European path,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
The sides also coffered on the current situation in Eastern Europe and the recent developments in the Transnistrian case. According to Nicu Popescu, the U.S. reiterated the firm message of support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.
The visit to the U.S. marks the holding of the thematic joint working groups within the Strategic Dialogue between the Republic of Moldova and the United States organized on the occasion of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Moldova-U.S. diplomatic relation. In Washington, the Moldovan official will have meetings with high-ranking officials, representatives of the business community, civil society, think tanks and with journalists.