UK to support reforms in defense sector, fight against corruption, cyber attacks

Chisinau, March 16. /MOLDPRES/- The UK will support reforms in the defense sector, the fight against corruption and cyber attacks. Britain's Foreign Minister James Cleverly made the statement at today's joint press conference with his Moldovan counterpart Nicu Popescu, in Chisinau.

The British official said that we are currently facing a difficult period for European security. “We thank the government for handling the refugee crisis. We assure you that you are not alone. Great Britain, together with international partners, will help the Republic of Moldova to face the challenges arising from the war in Ukraine. We support reform in the defense sector, we will help train the military. We will provide financial support to continue the initiated reforms. At the same time, we will continue to collaborate with the Government, other international partners, to identify the people who deserve to be sanctioned", said James Cleverly.

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu said that the visit of the British official represents an important sign of support. "We discussed the priorities of bilateral cooperation. Economically, we want to develop trade relations. We want the elimination of tariff quotas for Moldovan products, so that agricultural producers have more outlets. We approached the Moldovan diaspora in Great Britain, the conversion of driver's licenses, the liberalization of roaming services and other achievements that will bring benefits to the citizens of both states", said Popescu.

At the same time, the deputy prime minister welcomed "the sanctioning, at the end of last year, by Great Britain of corrupt persons from the Republic of Moldova". The official also noted that currently, "the country is not facing military threats, but hybrid threats." He noted that the current government can preserve peace, calm and stability.

James Cleverly pays a working visit to Chisinau on March 15-16. The last visit of a Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom to Moldova took place 10 years ago.