President Nicolae Timofti had a meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken, on a visit to Moldova, at the State Residence today.
President Timofti made a comprehensive presentation of Moldova's domestic and foreign policy priorities. He emphasised the Moldovan authorities' willingness to make sustained efforts in concrete terms, to deepen the process of political association and economic integration with the European Union. The head of state thanked the American diplomat for the support by the USA for the democratic processes from Moldova, as well as for the big financial assistance provided to the country.
For his part, United States Deputy Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken reiterated his country's commitment to back concrete steps of the Chisinau authorities to consolidate the European integration, that would enhance Moldova's political and economic independence. "The USA and EU will be permanently by your side to achieve this goal," the U.S. official stressed.
Anthony J. Blinken said the positive developments in Moldova would depend on the way corruption was fought, the business environment was improved and the energy sources were diversified. In this context, the American official highlighted the need to turn operational and extend the Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline.
Also, the American diplomat referred to the importance to enhance the competitiveness of Moldovan trade companies, including by attracting direct investments in Moldova, in order to turn to account opportunities of exporting goods to the European sales market.
Among the topics tackled at the meeting between President Nicolae Timofti and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken, there were the Transnistrian conflict and regional situation. The two officials also discussed trends of action in the bilateral relation, in terms of the political and commercial dialogue.