Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Thomas O. Melia and Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development Paige Alexander are visiting Moldova this week to take part in the launching of the Democracy Consolidation Working Group as part of the U.S.-Moldova Strategic Dialogue, IPN reports.

The U.S. Embassy says in a press release that the Democracy Consolidation Working Group will focus on issues related to Moldova’s progress in implementing good governance and rule of law initiatives, including support for a strong role for civil society and the media.

The Strategic Dialogue was announced by Prime Minister Iurie Leanca and Secretary of State John Kerry in March of this year. As part of the Strategic Dialogue, the U.S. Trade Representative held the U.S.-Moldova Joint Commerce Commission in March in the U.S., and U.S. Energy Envoy Carlos Pascual visited Moldova on March 24 to launch the Energy Working Group.

During their visit, Deputy Assistant Secretary Melia and Assistant Administrator Alexander have also traveled to Taraclia and Gagauzia where they met local government representatives and visited U.S. government supported programs.