US Vice President to deliver speech in Chisinau's Opera Square

United States Vice President Joe Biden will be in Chisinau on Friday, March 11, to signal support for ongoing democratic and economic reforms and for Moldova's aspirations for European integration, the US Embassy said in a press release, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. Vice President Biden will arrive in Chisinau in the first part of the day. At 2:00 PM he is expected to deliver a speech in the Opera Square in Chisinau, “expressing support for the people and government of Moldova, as well as applauding Moldova's ongoing democratic progress and aspirations for European integration after 20 years of independence”. During his brief visit, Vice President Biden will meet with key Moldovan leaders, including Prime Minister Vlad Filat and acting President Marian Lupu, to discuss the full range of bilateral, regional, and international issues. Biden will become the first U.S. vice president or president to visit Moldova, and according to Moldovan authorities, the visit is seen as “ historic and crucial” for the country. Earlier the White House said discussions will include, among other, the Transnistrian issue, whose resolution must “respect Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” Moldova's Interior Minister Alexei Roibu said over 3,000 police and 100 special service staff would be involved in providing security during the visit.