“The United States welcomes the intent of the Moldovan government to further develop its reform agenda and reaffirms its continued support for Moldova's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” says a joint statement by the United States and the Republic of Moldova on the intensification of the bilateral cooperation issued on the occasion of Premier Vlad Filat’s visit to the U.S. during January 19-21, Info-Prim Neo reports. “Both nations renew their support for the resumption of formal “5+2” negotiations and a final settlement of the Transnistria dispute. In this regard, the United States supports the expansion of confidence and security-building measures. The United States also welcomes the Moldovan government’s intent to contribute to international peacekeeping operations. “The governments of the United States and the Republic of Moldova have agreed to intensify our dialogue across the spectrum of our shared interests. These interests include facilitating the further development of democracy, rule of law, market economics and prosperity, defense cooperation, people-to-people contacts, and support for Moldova’s European aspirations,” the statement reads. On January 22, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat presided over the signing of a Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact to finance critical improvements in Moldova’s agricultural sector and road infrastructure. This agreement will provide $262 million in U.S. assistance over five years. The MCC Compact represents the kind of practical assistance that the United States continues to provide to the Moldovan people and a tangible symbol of the friendship and partnership between the two countries.