The kingdom of Norway decided to double the financial support for Moldova within different projects. The assistance will amount to US$10 million a year, Norwegian Foreign Minster Borge Brende and Moldovan Foreign Minister Natalia Gherman announced in a news conference after a meeting they had in Chisinau, IPN reports.

Natalia Gherman said that Norway supports the pro-European reforms in Moldova by delegating European experts and by offering generous assistance. The two states are interested in cooperation in the energy sector and the two officials agreed to extend it.

Borge Brende said he is satisfied with the reforms done in the legal system and the law enforcement bodies and Norway will continue to support these sectors. “We consider that a state cannot develop normally and be prosperous if the respect for the human rights and the rule of law are not ensured,” he stated.

He added they are glad that Moldova obtained a liberalized visa regime with the EU, but this is only a start. “We are happy to tell you that Norway also abolished the visa regime and you are invited to visit our country. We are determined to support Moldova and intend to propose Parliament to double the financial assistance. The money will be allocated for different projects. We will see how we can support agriculture too,” stated Borge Brende.

The officials said that an investment conference will take place in Chisinau on June 12. It will be attended by the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and representatives of the Government of Norway.

Norway is one of the founders of the European Free Trade Association. Two referendums on joining the EU held in this country in 1972 and 1994 failed. Norway, alongside Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland, which are non-EU members, form part of the Schengen Area that is a free movement area in Europe.