Foreign ministry hosted high-level meeting of Moldova - USA Strategic Dialogue

Chisinau, March 15. /MOLDPRES/- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted today a high-level meeting of the USA-Moldova Strategic Dialogue, the American delegation being led by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Dereck J. Hogan, the MAEIE press service has reported.

"Relations between Moldova and the United States have never been stronger, a fact we value. We welcomed the frequency of high-level meetings, including last month's meeting between presidents Maia Sandu and Joe Biden, and the visit of the head of state to Washington last December, which demonstrates the common commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between our countries", said deputy prime minister Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.

Today's dialogue focused on issues of national importance - strengthening democracy, the rule of law and good governance; stimulation of trade and economic cooperation; security and defence, including cyber security; public diplomacy and developing connections between our citizens.

Colleagues from several institutions of both countries reviewed the achievements since the relaunch of the Strategic Dialogue in 2022 and until now, including the advancement of the Republic of Moldova on the path to joining the European Union.

"I thanked our American friends for strong and long-term commitment of the USA to the Republic of Moldova. This close partnership and significant financial assistance from the US help us to strengthen democracy and develop the market economy, contributing to peace and stability in the region and throughout the European continent.

We also welcomed the intention to offer us an additional grant of 300 million dollars through USAID, which in the coming years will be invested in the energy resilience of our country", he said.

The support provided by the USA in the fight against corruption and strengthening the rule of law in Moldova was appreciated. Last year, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned nine individuals and 12 entities, including fugitive oligarchs acting as a tool of Russia's malign influence campaign.

Another aspect of our dialogue was the signing of a bilateral concept that provides a support framework for institutional reform and the modernization of our military capabilities. We will continue cooperation with the US in identifying and countering the hybrid threats facing the Republic of Moldova, including strengthening cyber security.

After a three-year break caused by the pandemic, another gratifying event is the return of Peace Corps volunteers, an organization that for 30 years has significantly contributed to creating strong bonds between people and between countries. At the same time, the strategic dialogue also included discussions with civil society.

"I am glad that the partnership between Moldova and the United States is strengthening from one day to the next, anchoring our country in the free world, in the common space of democracy and solidarity. We are determined to further develop this relationship, to promote the common values of freedom, justice and prosperity, both in Moldova and throughout the world", said Popescu.

Photo: MAEIE