Switzerland offers 2 million francs for the special fund that was specially created by the Government for managing the flow of refugees in the Republic of Moldova. The announcement was made by the President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis in a news conference given jointly with President Maia Sandu in Chisinau, IPN reports.

Switzerland will also offer humanitarian aid. It supplied 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid and delegated experts to help create the bodies needed for managing the flow of refugees.

Ignazio Cassis also said that Switzerland is ready to open the markets to Moldovan producers and wants to have a free trade agreement with Moldova.

In another development, the official said the Russian military attack causes terrible suffering in Ukraine and places Europe before a terrible challenge. In the current situation, the Moldovans’ solidarity with the people of Ukraine is impressive. He also thanked for the support provided to the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine whose employees are to be moved to Chisinau.

It is for the first time that a President of the Swiss Confederation comes to Moldova. Ignazio Cassis noted that this visit is symbolical given the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

President Maia Sandu said the war started by Russia against Ukraine brought instability and a lot of pain to the people. The Moldovans help the Ukrainian refugees with an open heart, but they have limited resources and the large number of refugees exerts pressure on the state and the capacities of the country. Moldova asked the partners, the international community to offer assistance in managing the flow of refugees and in relocating the refugees who want to travel further. The official thanked Switzerland for the humanitarian assistance intended for the Ukrainian refugees and for the support offered to Moldovan communities that house refugees through the Migration for Development program.

As to the economic aspects, Maia Sandu said the importers and exporters with connections to the Eastern markets suffer huge losses. Moldova fails to attract investment. The economic security of the region is precarious. The opening of alternative markets such as that of Switzerland to Moldovan products that cannot reach the Eastern markets owing to the war would be a clear sign of support for Moldovan entrepreneurs. The signing of a free trade agreement with countries of the European Free Trade Association would offer additional export opportunities to the Moldovan producers.

The Republic of Moldova chose the path of democratic development by the European model and wants to build a competitive, prosperous and innovative country that invests in its people. In this regard, Switzerland’s good practices and experience are very useful to Moldova, noted the official.