U.S. will continue to support Moldova's reintegration efforts, American official

The United States of America will further support Moldova in its efforts to reunify the country. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Vlad Plahotniuc was assured of this during his meeting with White House representatives, the Moldovan Parliament's press service said in a communique. Suring his visit to the U.S., Vlad Plahotniuc had a number of meetings with White House officials, including at the U.S. Department of State and the National Security Council. Discussions focused on Moldova’s development opportunities in its relationship with the U.S., the EU and the neighboring countries. The American officials have re-confirmed their support in finding a solution to the Transnistrian conflict. During a meeting with Baxter Hunt, Director of the Department of State's Office for Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus, Plahotniuc was assured that the U.S. will continue to support Moldova in its attempt to reunify the country. Concerning the relationship with the neighbors, “I appreciate the fact that Moldova’s political stability presents your country as an example of regional success and even potential success of the Eastern Partnership”, stated Baxter Hunt. He said that this is another reason for which the Department of State will contribute to determine the American Congress to remove Moldova from the Jackson-Vanik amendment. “Our country’s position regarding the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict is shared by the entire political class. On behalf of the Moldovan government, I appreciate the United States' participation in the “5 +2” format. The solutions can only be found in a wider negotiation framework, keeping territorial integrity, independence and Moldova’s neutrality in mind. I personally opt for intensifying the parliamentary activities on the Chisinau-Tiraspol direction”, stated Vlad Plahotniuc. Other issues discussed with White House officials included Moldova's judicial reform and anti-corruption efforts. In particular, the American officials praised the Moldovan authorities for the effort to reform the Anticorruption Center as well as for the efforts made with a view to attracting investments and creating new jobs for an enhanced economic security of the country.