The developments in the Republic of Moldova are a bright point of democracy, USAID Administrator Samantha Power stated in a news conference held jointly with Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița. “In some of the counties, the freedoms have declined for 15 years. But it seems that the Moldovan citizens didn’t get this message. The idea that democracy is in danger, that democratic backsliding is the new reality wasn’t accepted by the citizens of this country. Instead, they came forcefully to demand to end the deep-rooted corruption and the oligarchic regime and to support the leaders who have an agenda that pursues ambitious reforms,” said Samantha Power, being quoted by IPN.
The USAID Administrator reminded that the U.S. President Joe Biden mentioned and appreciated this fact in his speech at the UN General Assembly, noting the efforts of the Moldovan people who want democracy. “The revitalization of democracy is essential for addressing the common challenges met by the people today,” stated Samantha Power.
For her part, Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița said the United States has always supported the Republic of Moldova and has been a close friend. The financial assistance and support for development offered to Moldova during the past 29 years through USAID and other U.S. governmental agencies came to over US$1 billion.
“Anyone who travels through our country will see large infrastructure faculties marked with the message “USAID, from the American people”. We see this message on water supply systems, cold-storage facilities for agriculture products, tourist pensions and wineries,” stated Natalia Gavrilița. She noted that USAID in time supported important reforms, such as the regulatory reform that simplified the life of entrepreneurs and the justice sector reform and also transparency of the financial system, development of the education system, the independent press and democratic processes, agriculture and agricultural processing, IT, textiles, creative industries, the banking system.
Speaking about the continuous strengthening of bilateral cooperation, Natalia Gavrilița welcomed the launch of the USAID Cooperation Strategy for 2020 – 2025 that presents the view on a new partnership with the Government of the Republic of Moldova and that aims to achieve two development objectives: strengthening of participatory democracy and sustainable economic growth.
Natalia Gavrilița also welcomed the launch of the new USAID program for the next five years, which centers on the technologies of the future and aims to enhance the competiveness of digital technology and communications. “This program is a significant proof of a receptive approach of the USAID assistance in the Republic of Moldova,” stated Natalia Gavrilița.
Samantha Power is the former head of the United States Mission to the United Nations under the Barack Obama administration.
