American support for the Republic of Moldova
Neighboring Ukraine, invaded by Russian troops, the Republic of Moldova stays on the American diplomacy agenda
Bogdan Matei, 30.05.2024, 13:50
All military experts and political analysts say about the Republic of Moldova that it is Ukraine’s neighbor most seriously affected by the Russian invasion there. In solidarity with the authorities in Kyiv, which are trying to resist the invaders, Chisinau, currently hosting many Ukrainian refugees, has become, in turn, a target for Russia.
On Wednesday, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, reaffirmed, in Chisinau, the United States’ support for the Republic of Moldova and for its aspirations to get closer to the West. He saluted the work of the country’s president, Maia Sandu, who has resolutely charted a firm pro-European course.
Blinken promised that his country would support a resilient democracy in the face of Russia’s destabilization attempts. Moreover, he announced a 50 million-dollar aid for the defense of democracy in the face of Russian threats, and investments of 85 million dollars for the consolidation of the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova.
According to the Radio Romania correspondents in Chisinau, the head of Washington diplomacy specified that these funds are intended to reduce the dependence of the Republic of Moldova on Russian energy resources and will contribute to increasing the resilience of state institutions.
The Russian attacks on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure have exacerbated the difficulties the Republic of Moldova is facing in the energy sector, and led to the increase in energy prices, making businesses and ordinary consumers vulnerable, said Antony Blinken, who paid his second
visit to Chisinau since the Russians invaded Ukraine, on February 24, 2022.
The visit of the Secretary of State reconfirms the excellent relations between the United States and the Republic of Moldova and is a strong sign of support, said in turn President Maia Sandu. The message of support conveyed on behalf of Washington comes, commentators recall, after the one received, also this month, from Brussels. The Republic of Moldova has recently signed a security and defense pact with the European Union. Thanks to it, the signatories say, the collaboration between Chisinau and Brussels will be much closer and will offer the republic more tools to strengthen its security on multiple levels, including in the military field.
The Radio Romania correspondent in Brussels notes that, from now on, the Republic of Moldova can participate in missions under the European security and defense policy and will receive help to strengthen its military capabilities. Also, its soldiers will be integrated into the EU rapid deployment corps and will participate in joint exercises and training. (MI)
