Switzerland to provide 2 million francs for Moldova

Chisinau, March 22 / MOLDPRES /- Switzerland will provide 2 million francs to the Republic of Moldova for the fight against corruption and has already delivered over 2 tons of humanitarian aid to refugees. The statements were made today in Chisinau by President of Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis, during a joint press conference with head of state Maia Sandu.

During the conference, the President of Moldova mentioned that today's visit marks a historic premiere in the relations between our countries. "This is the first time that a President of the Swiss Confederation has visited the Republic of Moldova. It is symbolic that this is happening in the year in which we mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Moldova and Switzerland. Our countries have developed a very good cooperation in these years. Switzerland is one of the most important bilateral partners of the Republic of Moldova. The Swiss Office for Cooperation and Development, which has been operating in our country since 2000, has supported many development projects in key areas such as local development, the health system, rural tourism and migration. Thanks to Swiss support, we have better pediatric emergency and mental health services in Moldova. Local infrastructure projects supported by Switzerland have brought drinking water to the homes of tens of thousands of Moldovans. Switzerland has supported the development of technical vocational education in Moldova and provided generous donations of medical equipment to our country for the management of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are very grateful for this generous help ", said Maia Sandu.

The head of state said that the war in Ukraine will deeply and in the long run affect the economic, social and security situation in Moldova. “Our entrepreneurs are already feeling these effects. Importers and exporters related to the Eastern markets suffer heavy losses. Moldova misses investment. The region's economic security remains complicated. In this context, opening up alternative markets - such as Switzerland - to our products that can no longer reach Eastern markets due to the war would be a clear and unambiguous gesture of support for Moldovan entrepreneurs. The signing of a free trade agreement with the EFTA countries, the European Free Trade Association, would provide additional export opportunities for Moldovan products, especially in the existing regional context and the urgent need to reorient them ", added Maia Sandu.

The Swiss official reiterated his country's support for the Republic of Moldova and noted that the Russian military attack is suffering not only in Ukraine but also in Moldova. "It simply came to our notice then. I am impressed by the solidarity you show, I am impressed by the efforts of your small country. I want to express my gratitude to Switzerland and announce that we will provide 2 million francs to fight corruption and create a prosperous country ", concluded Ignazio Cassis.