The visit paid by the UN Secretary-General to Chisinau is a firm message of support for the reforms started in the Republic of Moldova and a recognition of the exemplary way in which the crisis of Ukrainian refugees is being managed, said expert of the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives “Viitorul” Igor Munteanu. For his part, Moldova’s ex-Ambassador to the UN Vlad Lupan noted that Antonio Guterres’ visit to Chisinau, Moscow and Kyiv is a signal for the international community to act swiftly and firmly so as to ensure peace, IPN reports.
Being in Chisinau on an official visit, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres thanked the Republic of Moldova for its support, solidarity and generosity towards the Ukrainian refugees, noting that the UN Agencies concentrate their efforts on doubling the assistance offered to Chisinau in the process of managing the humanitarian and economic crisis. The UN official’s visit to Chisinau is a clear message of support, said Igor Munteanu.
“The UN is the most important development partner, together with the 20 agencies that it manages. The UN Secretary-General’s visit to Chisinau means that the Republic of Moldova’s generosity towards the refugees is recognized and this visit is aimed at stimulating the donors that can offer resources for the refugees to be integrated into society and for the reforms to be continued. The countries like the Republic of Moldova work in tandem with such organizations as the UN. Now the UN family helps enormously with the Republic of Moldova’s development and I think these efforts will continue,” Igor Munteanu stated in the program “Emphasis on Today” on TVR Moldova channel.
Moldova’s former Ambassador to the UN Vlad Lupan said that Antonio Guterres came to Moldova after visiting Moscow and Kyiv. Even if it he was intensely criticized for the decision to discuss in person with Russian officials, Antonio Guterres’ visit to Russia ended with the saving of hundreds of people in Mariupol.
“A series of events were needed for the Western officials to make efforts. We are not satisfied with the speed at which the international community reacts. I’m glad that the UN Secretary-General went to Moscow. He was humiliated, but managed to take people out of Mariupol. After this visit, the UN made efforts and managed to save at least a part of the people who remained in Mariupol, with big risks as the Russians do not listen to anyone on the field. So, the visits by high-ranking officials are very important,” stated Vlad Lupan.
The Republic of Moldova joined the UN 30 years ago. Since 2003, 148 Moldovan soldiers have taken part in UN peacekeeping operations in different parts of the world. A number of 23 UN Agencies, programs and funds are now present in Moldova with activities in different areas, such as sustainable development, health, education, labor market, human rights and justice.
