“In the 30 years since Moldova and the United States began diplomatic relations, we’ve never faced a moment as urgent and as challenging as the one that we face today,” declared Secretary of State Antony Blinken on a recent visit to Moldova. The Kremlin’s unprovoked war on Ukraine has kicked off a humanitarian crisis that is having a vast effect across the surrounding region, including on Moldova. More than 240,000 people from Ukraine have crossed the border into Moldova, fleeing for their lives. And their number are sure to grow.
Secretary Blinken expressed gratitude to Moldova for welcoming and protecting all those fleeing Russia’s war on Ukraine. “The United States will do all that it can to help,” said Secretary Blinken: “Our administration has requested of Congress $2.75 billion in emergency assistance and humanitarian assistance, both to meet the needs of vulnerable people and communities inside Ukraine and also to help countries like Moldova supporting refugees and address the humanitarian crisis from outside Ukraine.” He added that the international community also has a responsibility to assist Moldova in this task.
The United States supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova as it pursues the path of democracy, a more inclusive and prosperous economy, and a closer relationship with the countries and institutions of Europe.
The United States continues to engage with Moldova on a broad range of issues, including delivery of hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 vaccines and millions of dollars in pandemic-related assistance. Greater energy security is vital for Moldova’s sovereignty, and Secretary Blinken noted, “We will invest $18 million over the next years to help strengthen and diversify Moldova’s energy sector.”
The U.S. also supports the OSCE-led negotiations to find a comprehensive settlement to the Transnistrian conflict that upholds Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity with a special status for the region of Transnistria. “Countries that respect human rights, uphold the rule of law, and support inclusive and accountable governance for all their citizens, produce the best solutions to even the most difficult problems,” said Secretary Blinken. That’s why the U.S. supports Moldova as it fights corruption, enacts democratic reforms, and develops an independent media.
The partnership between the United States and Moldova is built on shared interests and shared values. “We’re grateful to Moldova for 30 years of friendship,” said Secretary Blinken, and “we look forward to the next 30.”
