02:13Moldova: US to invest in energy independence, says Kerry
Moldova: US to invest in energy independence, says Kerry
Speaking at an event he attended in the Moldovan city of Cricova alongside Prime Minister Lurie Leanca, US Secretary of State John Kerry laid out his country's plans to boost development of country in the wake of an Association Agreement signed with the European Union.
"I'm here to congratulate the people of Moldova for initiating an association agreement, and a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement with the European Union at the Vilnius summit last week," said the Secretary. "And to pledge the support of the United States to you as you as finalise this agreement over the course of this next year."
"The United States is also looking forward to working with our friends here to develop programmes that will further energy independence and energy security for Moldova. And in the short term, in order to reduce reliance on existing natural gas supplies, USAID is going to work with the Swedish international development agency, and it will leverage 3.5 million in local bank capital for energy efficiency projects."
The Association Agreement obliges Moldova to open its markets to European companies, while providing trade benefits for products imported into the Union. Russia announced a ban on imports of Moldovan wines and spirits after reports of impurities in the products.
Secretary Kerry also commented on the current situation in Ukraine, saying: "And to the people of the Ukraine, we say the same thing. You too deserve the opportunity to choose your own future. Let me make it clear: The United States and the European Union strongly believe that European integration does not have to be a zero-sum game."
02:13Moldova: US to invest in energy independence, says Kerry
Speaking at an event he attended in the Moldovan city of Cricova alongside Prime Minister Lurie Leanca, US Secretary of State John Kerry laid out his country's plans to boost development of country in the wake of an Association Agreement signed with the European Union.
"I'm here to congratulate the people of Moldova for initiating an association agreement, and a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement with the European Union at the Vilnius summit last week," said the Secretary. "And to pledge the support of the United States to you as you as finalise this agreement over the course of this next year."
"The United States is also looking forward to working with our friends here to develop programmes that will further energy independence and energy security for Moldova. And in the short term, in order to reduce reliance on existing natural gas supplies, USAID is going to work with the Swedish international development agency, and it will leverage 3.5 million in local bank capital for energy efficiency projects."
The Association Agreement obliges Moldova to open its markets to European companies, while providing trade benefits for products imported into the Union. Russia announced a ban on imports of Moldovan wines and spirits after reports of impurities in the products.
Secretary Kerry also commented on the current situation in Ukraine, saying: "And to the people of the Ukraine, we say the same thing. You too deserve the opportunity to choose your own future. Let me make it clear: The United States and the European Union strongly believe that European integration does not have to be a zero-sum game."