Switzerland to continue backing Moldova based on new cooperation strategy

Chisinau, 17 April /MOLDPRES/ - Prime Minister Pavel Filip today had a meeting with Deputy State Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Krystyna Marty Lang, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.  

The Swiss official is in Chisinau on the occasion of the launch of the Strategy of Cooperation with Moldova for 2018-2021. Based on the Strategy, Switzerland will provide Moldova technical assistance worth 50.9 million Swiss francs in such sectors as administrative and territorial reform, migration and development, local infrastructure, economic development and vocational education.    

The PM thanked for the constant support of the Swiss government. Pavel Filip highlighted the increase in the assistance in the years before and the carrying out of a significant number of projects in strategic sectors for Moldova’s development by the Swiss Cooperation Office in Chisinau. Also, the prime minister stressed the importance of the new document of cooperation for implementing the reforms initiated by the government. “We will take care for all money coming as technical assistance, aid or loans be spent with much caution and efficiency,” the prime minister noted.    

In the context, Pavel Filip referred to the government’s agenda of reforms, emphasizing the cabinet’s determination to further advance on the segments of education, justice, as well as modernization of infrastructure. Also, the PM touched upon the actions undertaken by the authorities for re-positioning Moldova on the course of economic development and enhancing the investment attractiveness. The prime minister underlined that the strengthening of the state’s financial capacity would also provide possibility to launch programmes meant for the Moldovan Diaspora, so that citizens from abroad are willing to return home.    

For her part, Krystyna Marty Lang appreciated the efforts taken by the government, noting that the reforms initiated by the authorities do not remain only on paper, but are successfully implemented for the benefit for the citizens. In the context, the Swiss official reiterated her country’s willingness to continue the projects underway in Moldova and boost the bilateral cooperation, including for the promotion of policies on backing the national minorities.   

Switzerland is the fourth biggest donor for Moldova. Starting from 2010, Moldova has benefited from assistance worth about 85 million Swiss francs.