The relations between the Republic of Moldova and the United States have never been stronger and this is to the benefit of all the Moldovan citizens, being a highly appreciated aspect, Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, stated in a press briefing given together with the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Bureau of European and Eurasians Affairs Dereck J. Hogan. The American official said that regardless of the challenges, the United States will stand with Moldova. The statements preceded the high-level meeting of the United States - Moldova Strategic Dialogue that is taking place in Chisinau, IPN reports.
Nicu Popescu said that a number of important subjects will be discussed in the meeting, such as the building of the rule of law and good governance and the fight against corruption. There will also be discussed the security and defense of the Republic of Moldova, regional stability, commercial-economic cooperation, energy resilience and security at regional level and in the Republic of Moldova.
The official noted that for the first time the meeting will discuss public diplomacy and the development of ties between societies of the two states. “It is a good occasion for taking note of and thanking again our partners form the United States for their long-term commitment to support democracy, freedom, the Europeanity of our country. We will continue working together on all these subjects. The support and friendships of the United States helps the Republic of Moldova to further ensure peace, stability, calmness and our resilience in a lot of areas,” stated Nicu Popescu.
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Dereck J. Hogan said that when the Moldovan people chose the path towards European integration and the commitment to countering corruption and advancing rule of law and reform, the U.S stood with them in strengthening democracy. When Russia launched its unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. stood with the Moldovan people as they opened their doors to hundreds of thousands of refugees.
“When the global pandemic and Putin’s war severely impacted Moldova’s economy, the U.S. stood with Moldova in finding new export markets and helping entrepreneurs thrive. No matter the challenge, the United States will continue to stand together with Moldova. During his last speech in Warsaw, President Biden recognized the resolve of the Moldovan people to live in freedom and advance Moldova’s progress towards EU membership,” noted Dereck Hogan.
According to him, this resolve and a hard work done by so many people earned Moldova EU candidate status and the opportunity to build a brighter future among the countries of Europe. “Defending that brighter future has never been more important as we struggle with the devastating impacts of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine, the largest war in Europe since World War II,” said the diplomat. He noted that while managing the impacts of Russia’s brutal war, despite these challenges, Moldova has continued to advance reforms, to improve the economy and to strengthen Moldova’s democracy. To support these efforts, the U.S. has already provided nearly US$320 million in assistance to Moldova since February of last year and plans to provide an additional US$300 million with the support of Congress to help address the energy crisis, to strengthen energy security and advance Moldova’s energy transition.
