Moldova, USA re-launch bilateral strategic dialogue

Chisinau, 23 June /MOLDPRES/ - Moldova and the United States have re-launched the bilateral strategic dialogue. Foreign and European Integration Minister Andrei Galbur today made statements to this effect at a news briefing following a meeting with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Bridget Brink.

The official noted that, at the meeting, the sides had discussed developments on the Moldovan-American bilateral agenda, the country’s reformation process and prospects for the bilateral cooperation.   

“We have a constructive political dialogue and the holding of this meeting represents a proof of the openness and support coming on behalf of the American Government and nation for our country. Today, the formula of work of the platform of the Moldova – USA strategic dialogue was established, which implies the creation of working groups on sectors of increased interest, such as: economy, energy, rule of law state and security. The consultations within these groups are to be held with the participation of experts from both countries. At the same time, we also discussed the fostering of the interaction in such fields as justice, security and defence, fighting corruption, combating the trafficking of human beings, strengthening democracy and the rule of law state. A special topic was Moldova’s cooperation with the European Union,” Galbur said.     

For her part, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Bridget Brink, at the news briefing, said that the today’s discussion had been focused on the cooperation between the two sides and the fields of its cooperation. “We focused on the judicial reform, especially of the judicial system, on fighting corruption and enhancing actions in combating the trafficking of human beings. Also, other important subjects were: implementation of the recommendations of the Venice Commission, diversification of energy and improving the energy security, continuation of reforms in the banking system and calling to account the persons guilty of committing the bank fraud,” Bridget Brink said.

The Moldovan-American working groups are to carry out their activity throughout this year.

(Reporter A. Plitoc, editor A. Raileanu)