Switzerland to back Moldova in promoting democratic values

Chisinau, 23 June /MOLDPRES/ - Prime Minister Pavel Filip today received Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Manuel Sager and SDC Deputy Director Elisabeth von Capeller, on a three-day visit to Chisinau, to mark the 15th anniversary of the Agency’s work in Moldova.  Attending the event was also Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Chisinau, Simone Giger, the government’s communication and media relations department has reported.

At the meeting, the PM thanked the government of Switzerland for the substantial technical assistance provided to Moldova and contribution to the country’s social and economic development. “We believe that an important role in the process of carrying out the domestic reforms and democratic transformations in Moldova belongs also to the Swiss technical assistance, from which Moldova has constantly benefitted in the last 15 years,” Pavel Filip said. In particular, he emphasized the activity of the Chisinau-based Swiss Cooperation Office, led by Simone Giger.    

The prime minister highly appreciated the fact that Switzerland had ruled to double the financial assistance for Moldova in 2014-2017, as well as the contribution to developing Moldova’s policies in the relations with the Diaspora. The PM gave assurances that the Moldovan authorities would take every effort to further ensure an efficient management of the Swiss funds, in order to successfully implement   projects underway in Moldova.    

For his part, the SDC director voiced openness for developing cooperation with the Moldovan government in carrying out more important projects, meant to improve the people’s living standards and promote the democratic values in Moldova. “It is important that the government provides assistance also to the citizens staying abroad, as well as optimum solutions to the ones from Moldova, so that they do not leave the country. We see our role in contributing to ensuring a pluralistic and as inclusive and possible society,” Manuel Sager said.  

The asides also approached subjects on migration and social inclusion, as well as aspects on Moldovan-Swiss cooperation for Moldova’s multidimensional development.   

(Editor M. Jantovan)