MOLDOVAN PRESIDENT AND NORWEGIAN PRIME MINISTER DISCUSSED UNSTABLE SECURITY SITUATION IN MOLDOVA

The unstable security situation in Moldova was the main topic during the meeting between Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, which took place in Oslo on Tuesday, according to the press service of the Norwegian government on Tuesday.

According to the report, Store emphasized that "Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is having a severe impact on Moldova."

"The country is being subjected to a massive Russian disinformation campaign and the war in its neighbouring country is having an adverse effect on the Moldovan economy," the prime minister said.

He noted that the Norwegian government recently decided to open an embassy in Chisinau.

"The state visit (of President Maia Sandu - "I.") is taking place against a grim background. Russia’s war of aggression has had serious repercussions for the security landscape across all of Europe. However, Moldova is an inspiring example of how democratisation and progress can also take place under extremely challenging circumstances," the prime minister stressed.

Also during the meeting, it was announced that Norway will provide additional financial support of 350 million kroner (about 30 million euros) under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.

" Moldova is therefore the only one of Ukraine’s neighbouring countries receiving support under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine. So far, this funding has primarily been used to help alleviate humanitarian needs, to safeguard energy security and strengthen the reform process. The new allocation of NOK 350 million will be used to expand cooperation to more sectors, including education and good governance efforts in the country,’ Store outlined.

Sandu expressed "gratitude for the solidarity Norway has shown over the past two years and for the additional financial support."

"We expect that this grant will contribute to strengthening energy security and improving the education sector (in Moldova - "I."). We appreciate the generosity of the Norwegian people, who supported us at crucial moments to overcome the numerous challenges we faced and to help us strengthen our resilience," the president wrote on social media following the meeting.