The Republic of Moldova will receive an additional US$19.5 million in non-reimbursable assistance from the United States for strengthening energy security. Parliament on Thursday ratified the 14th Amendment to the Assistance Agreement on the development objective signed with the U.S. Government, IPN reports.

The money will be used to reduce dependence on the Russian Federation by connecting the key elements of Moldova’s energy system to the European systems, by diversifying natural gas supply sources and improving energy efficiency.

After the additional financial assistance is provided, the non-reimbursable assistance for the Republic of Moldova will total US$172 728 297.