“Canada is a reliable partner and we want very much to capitalize on this high level of relations in the interests of the two countries,” Minister of Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi said in a joint press conference with his Canadian counterpart Mélanie Joly, which was preceded by an official meeting. He noted that they discussed a number of topics so as to improve the lives of the Moldovans in the country and outside it. “We know that we have an active diaspora that contributes to Canada’s development and we want them to feel good,” stated the minister, being quoted by IPN.

According to Mihai Popșoi, Canada assists Moldova in doing the justice sector reform, in building the resilience of national law enforcement agencies, thus contributing to increasing Moldova’s defense capability and strengthening the capacity of institutions investigating high-profile cases related to financial crimes. The official noted the Canadian government’s support for the robust sanctions mechanism that is being implemented in order “to leave no room for impunity for those who caused damage to the budget of the Republic of Moldova, did harm to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, and now, being abroad, think that they will be able to enjoy impunity, but this is not so.”

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly said that the Russian regime undermined democracy, threatened the safety and stability of the region, including Moldova. It is a threat that Moldovans know all too well and, faced with this threat, the people of the Republic of Moldova are determined to choose their own future. And the resistance of the Moldovan people must not be overshadowed by Russia’s desire to change this thing.

Mélanie Joly noted that Canada supports Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, backs the national police by implementing a US$2 million program. “We are going to do a lot of things. We have to work, including in the field of military cooperation. I think we can do this very well. We can also reach an agreement on social security. I’m sure that in the coming weeks, we will be able to announce this agreement. And Canada will also impose more sanctions to address Russian disinformation and corruption. We will cooperate with other countries around the world,” stated the official.

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs is paying a visit to Moldova on January 29-30.