President Maia Sandu is paying a visit to the United States. In Washington, the Moldovan official met with managers of the International Momentary Fund (IMF) and with the Speaker of the United Sates House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. Maia Sandu spoke about the difficulties encountered by Moldova and the whole region owing to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, IPN reports, quoting the presidential press service.
In the meeting with the IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, President Sandu underlined the importance of cooperating with the IMF for alleviating the economic and social consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
She underlined that Moldova is now experiencing the severest energy crisis in its existence and the authorities are endeavoring to help the people and businesses to cope with the high energy prices. Programs are needed to increase the sector’s resilience and to contribute to diversifying the sources of energy.
For her part, Kristalina Georgieva said the IMF remains open to cooperation with Moldova and is ready to increase the assistance so as to help overcome the current crisis.
Sandu discussed the difficulties experienced by Moldova due to Russia’s war against Ukraine and the steps taken to cope with the energy crisis also with the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. “I stressed the importance of the U.S.’s support for strengthening democracy in our country and for advancing the reforms, especially after we were granted the EU candidate status. I also spoke about the regional security risks and the impact of the energy crisis on our citizens and the country’s economy and noted that the partnership with the U.S. is essential for coping with these,” stated Maia Sandu.
In Washington, President Sandu also met with USAID Administrator Samantha Power. She thanked the United States for having supported the efforts to improve the people’s life for over 30 years, including through the USAID programs.
“Starting with 1992, owing to funds totaling over US$1.7 billion offered to our country, the United Sates has helped the Republic of Moldova to modernize its economy, creating small and medium-sized enterprises, especially in agriculture and the wine industry, and to develop its tourism, light industry and creative industries,” said Maia Sandu. She noted that the U.S. partners offer assistance to fulfill the commitment to get rid of corruption and to reform the justice sector, to strengthen civil society and the independent press.
“I also thanked for the pledged assistance of US$75 million in humanitarian assistance and almost US$124 million in economic and security assistance for dealing with the consequences of the war in the neighborhood and for coping with the most serious energy crisis witnessed so far,” said President Sandu.
