Maia Sandu had a meeting with the president of Switzerland: Economic cooperation, national and social security, on the agenda of discussions
Bilateral relations between the Republic of Moldova and Switzerland were discussed by President Maia Sandu with her counterpart Alain Berset. The leaders of the two states focused on topics such as Russia's war against Ukraine and its consequences for our country, the fight against corruption, national and social security, as well as economic cooperation.
The head of state noted that while Ukraine is resisting a military invasion, the Republic of Moldova is countering Russia's hybrid attacks.
At the same time, Maia Sandu thanked Switzerland for the help offered in the fight against corruption. "Corruption is a method used by Russian agents to undermine Moldova. The sanctions imposed by the Swiss government, against those who threaten our stability, send a strong message: Moldova is not alone. Integrity and good governance are values we share with the rest of the democratic world and we will protect them together," the president said.
In her speech, the head of state also mentioned that the partnership between the Republic of Moldova and Switzerland also extends in a crucial field, that of security, and the recent inauguration in Chisinau of the Geneva Security Sector Governance Center underlines the fact that the security of our country is interconnected with that of Europe.
"Our vision of national security puts our EU membership at the fore, with the aim of ensuring the safety and progress of our country. Moldova's accession to the EU is the only way to consolidate our democratic progress, to protect us from Russia's hostile actions and corruption - the two biggest threats to national security," said Maia Sandu.
Also, the Republic of Moldova and Switzerland will collaborate in the field of social security, and the joint statement signed yesterday by the two presidents "opens the way to a comprehensive agreement in the coming months, ensuring respect for the rights of Moldovan and Swiss workers".
In discussions with President Alain Berset and members of the Federal Council, the head of state also addressed economic cooperation, recalling that this summer the Republic of Moldova signed a free trade agreement - EFTA - with Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. After its ratification by the Swiss Legislative, companies from both countries will benefit from more opportunities.
Maia Sandu suggested that next year the work of the Intergovernmental Commission for trade and economic cooperation should be relaunched to stimulate trade and investment between our countries.
We remind that the President of the Republic of Moldova pays, between October 18-19, an official visit to the Swiss Confederation, at the invitation of President Alain Berset.
