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President of Switzerland says Moldova proves extraordinary mobilization, significant contribution in backing refugees

21:54 | 22.03.2022 Category: Official

Chisinau, 22 March /MOLDPRES/ - The security in the region, the economic and social impact of the war in Ukraine, as well as ways of boosting the commercial relations were the main subjects discussed at a today’s meeting between Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita and President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis, on an official visit to Moldova, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.   

At the discussions, the two officials reiterated the neutrality status of Moldova and the Swiss Confederation and voiced hope for the identification of a peaceful solution to settle the military conflict. 

PM Natalia Gavrilita thanked the Swiss partners for the package of humanitarian assistance meant for the Ukrainian refugees. The prime minister said the government further relied on the support of the western partners in the process of maintaining stability in Moldova, the functionality of the critical functions, management of the financial situation and of the flow of refugees.  

„We face a large-scale humanitarian crisis and a big wave of refugees, which continue to be sheltered in Moldova. We created a functional internal mechanism of transfer and accommodation of the Ukrainian citizens; nevertheless, it is necessary that we strengthen this system and redirect a part of the people to other European states, which have better financial possibilities and a richer experience in the management of the humanitarian crises,’’ the PM noted.   

For his part, the Swiss president welcomed the Moldovan authorities’ efforts in the management of the refugees’ crisis. The Swiss Confederation, according to Ignazio Cassis, will continue to financially and logistically support the humanitarian organizations which provide backing to Ukrainian citizens.        

The officials reiterated the need to consolidate the bilateral commercial and economic relations. In this respect, the sides analyzed possibility of diversifying the export markets and negotiating the free change agreement between the states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Moldova. Ignazio Cassis specified that this subject was, as a priority, on the list of goals of the Swiss government for 2022.   

During the discussions, Natalia Gavrilita expressed Moldova’s interest in deepening the cooperation in the energy sector, on the segment of turning good to account the renewable energy sources. ‘’We want an increase in the share of the renewable energy and strengthening the energy capacities of Moldova and in this respect, we count on the support of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy,’’ the prime minister also said.  

After the meeting at the government, the officials went to the centre of temporary placement for refugees from Ukraine at the headquarters of Moldexpo. The centre has served about 15,000 Ukrainian citizens since its opening. Presently, 302 people are at this centre, of whom 97 children. Besides the services of accommodation and nourishment, the institution provides the needed social, psychological and medical assistance. The government of the Swiss Confederation, through the Swiss Humanitarian Aid organization, made available to the refugees an emergency medical team specialized in providing medical assistance to mother and child. Also, the Centre’s team is assisted by a team of volunteers on the Moldova for Peace platform, which ensures the supply of refugees with the products and services needed.      

„Everything which is happening here is impressive and worth being boasted. Moldova proves an extraordinary mobilization and a significant contribution in backing the refugees,’’ the president of the Swiss Confederation said.     

The two officials discussed with the refugees their needs and reiterated the authorities’ support in the creation of conditions of maximal comfort.   

Photo: Government

 

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