CHISINAU -- During a visit to Chisinau, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier committed Berlin to an assistance package of 10 million euros ($11.6 million) to support the reform program launched by Moldovan President Maia Sandu.
"I brought with me a small package worth about 10 million euros through which we will provide expertise, because we know that when it comes to developing public sector reforms we need expertise, as well as to ensure security energy, health care, and regional cooperation," Steinmeier said following talks with Sandu in the Moldovan capital on September 29.
The European Union needs a stable and prosperous eastern neighborhood, and reforms in Moldova are important for the entire region, said Steinmeier, whose two-day visit is the first-ever by a German president to the Eastern European country.
Sandu called for increased German investment in one of Europe's poorest countries.
The Moldovan president took office after defeating Russia-backed incumbent Igor Dodon in an election in November 2020.
A U.S.-trained economist, she has since pushed for closer links between the former Soviet republic and the EU, and set the objectives of combating corruption and halting mass emigration that has hit the country's economy.
During his visit ending on September 30, Steinmeier is also to hold talks with Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita and to open a German-Moldovan business forum along with Sandu.
He is accompanied by a business delegation.
German President Vows Support For Moldova Reform Program
Editors' Picks
Top Trending
1
In Russia's War Economy, The Warning Lights Are Blinking
2Attack From Afghanistan Kills Chinese National In Tajikistan, Sources Say
3U.S. Reportedly Allows Ukraine To Strike Russia With Long-Range Weapons
4RFE/RL Reveals Chilling New Details Of Bucha Massacre As Ukraine Marks 1,000 Days Of War
5Putin Says Russia Fired New Intermediate Missile At Ukraine After ICBM Accusations
6No Smooth Sailing For Climate Activist Greta Thunberg In The Caucasus
7Could U.S. Long-Range Missiles Tip The Balance In The Ukraine War?
8Wider Europe Briefing: Georgia's Vanishing EU Dreams
9Ukraine Live Briefing: Moscow Denies Using ICBM
10At Least 21 Dead In Russian Missile Strikes In Ukraine's Odesa, Sumy
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.
