The United States will help Moldova strengthen energy security, diversify product markets in the new realities, and increase competitiveness in key sectors of its Moldovan economy.
This was discussed during the plenary session of the Moldova-US Strategic Dialogue held in Washington, resumed after a 5-year break, and the meetings of the 3 joint working groups of the Strategic Dialogue, which were chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova Nicu Popescu and Karen Donfried, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Department of State, and senior officials from both countries attended. During the meetings of the joint working groups, the parties reaffirmed the importance of promoting a consistent and deep dialogue and partnership, promoting democracy, prosperity and security of Moldova as the reform program and the EU accession process move forward. The Working Group on Rule of Law and Good Governance considered the overall priorities in fighting corruption and promoting human rights and good governance. The US commended Moldova's efforts to strengthen anti-corruption institutions, promote transparency and independence of the judiciary, and ongoing consultations with civil society and other partners to ensure progress on long-term reforms. The Political and Security Working Group discussed efforts to advance reforms and modernize Moldova's security sector, including border management, assistance in combating cross-border threats, strengthening cybersecurity and national defense, and supporting international peacekeeping operations. The working group on economic and energy issues emphasized the importance of strengthening energy security and sustainability of our country. The parties committed to continue cooperation in order to support the energy diversification of Moldova, as well as the diversification of domestic product markets in the new realities. The delegations also discussed economic and trade commitments to improve Moldova's prosperity, including additional US assistance to promote transparency, efficiency and competitiveness in key sectors of the Moldovan economy, as well as to further increase bilateral trade and investment. The parties also agreed to establish a new joint working group on the Moldovan-American strategic dialogue, namely the Working Group on Public Diplomacy, which will aim to strengthen people-to-people ties, strengthen cultural and educational ties and professional exchanges.// 19.04.2022- InfoMarket.
