The United States government will provide additional funding of $35.73 million to Moldova for economic growth and the consolidation of democracy. The money is offered in the form of a grant under two agreements signed on September 28, 2016, IPN reports.

The Moldovan Government at is Wednesday’s meeting authorized the start of formal negotiations on amending the Assistance Agreement for the Strengthening of Participatory Democracy and the Assistance Agreement on the Sustainable Development Growth Objective, whose implementation period ends in 2025.

The amendment to the first agreement will add $19.4 million in funding, raising its total value to $96.3 million. The funds will be used to increase participation of citizens, consolidate receptivity of public institutions and reduce vulnerabilities of institutions and democratic practices.

The amendment to the second agreement adds $16.3 million for a total $106.9 million. The funding will be used to enhance access to the European Union market and other international markets, and to improve competitiveness in transformative sectors.

The amendments will be signed by Minister of Finance Dumitru Budianschi on behalf of the Moldovan Government, and on behalf of the United States, by Scott D. Hocklander, USAID Mission Director.