September 29, 2015 — New York, New York
An AJC leadership delegation concluded a 90-minute meeting yesterday evening with Valeriu Strelet, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, who was accompanied by Foreign Minister Natalia Gherman and other senior officials.
"Moldova has special significance far beyond its relatively small size," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "We attach the greatest importance to Moldova's determined efforts to chart a democratic and pro-Western course, despite Moscow's unrelenting campaign to prevent this from happening."
"Buffeted by substantial economic difficulties, not to mention Russian forces in Transnistria, a geographic area belonging to Moldova, the current government faces truly profound challenges," Harris added. "This is why the continued, indeed increased, engagement of the United States, the European Union, with which Moldova has an association agreement, and international financial institutions is so very important. Meanwhile, as the Prime Minister told us, he and his team are making every effort to stabilize the economy, create a more investor-friendly environment, and root out corruption.”
"AJC was very quick in the historic period of 1989-91, and thereafter, to help in the transition from communist to post-communist societies, believing that this was an extraordinary chance to extend the reach of human freedom and dignity," Harris concluded. "For some countries, the process has been easier than for others. Moldova is eager to move ever closer to the European Union and NATO, while also affirming robust ties with the U.S. and Israel. We wholeheartedly support its quest."
AJC has an association agreement with the Jewish Community of Moldova that was signed in 2014 in the country's capital, Chisinau. AJC's Dr. Sam Kliger has visited Chisinau on several occasions over the past decade to meet with government officials, Jewish leaders, diplomats, and civil society representatives.
