--- title: "US envoy reaffirms support for Moldova’s territorial integrity" url: https://moldova1.md/p/89715/us-envoy-reaffirms-support-for-moldova-s-territorial-integrity published: 2026-11-08T18:00:00Z language: en author: "Dumitru Petruleac" section: "Political" source: moldova1.md --- # US envoy reaffirms support for Moldova’s territorial integrity > US Ambassador Joseph Mark Burkhalter has reaffirmed Washington’s support for Moldova’s territorial integrity, while outlining security, diplomatic and investment priorities during an interview with Moldova 1. ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/685577b8-7421-4711-8778-1e1ddacc289f.jpg) US Ambassador Joseph Mark Burkhalter has reaffirmed Washington’s support for Moldova’s territorial integrity, while outlining security, diplomatic and investment priorities during an interview with Moldova 1. **US reaffirms support for Moldova’s territorial integrity** Burkhalter said Washington’s position on Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would remain unchanged, regardless of developments in negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. He stressed that the left bank of the Dniester is part of the Republic of Moldova and that the United States respects Chisinau’s right to determine how the conflict should be resolved. *“The United States is a strong supporter of the territorial sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova, and that will not change. The left bank of the Dniester is part of Moldova. That is why we respect Moldova’s desire to find a solution,”* the ambassador said during the Dimensiunea Diplomatică programme on Moldova 1. The diplomat also discussed Washington’s engagement through the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), saying the United States would continue supporting efforts to resolve the conflict. On Ukraine, Burkhalter said President Donald Trump remained focused on securing peace. He noted that diplomatic discussions had intensified and that American representatives were expected to meet in Abu Dhabi. **Washington expects European allies to take greater responsibility for defence** Addressing the future of transatlantic relations, Burkhalter said the United States was not abandoning its European partners but expected them to contribute more to their own security. *“We have asked our NATO partners to increase their contributions to their own security. (...) I believe Europe's military or defence presence will grow, and neighbours will look after neighbours. Security will not rely solely on assistance from the United States,”* he said. The ambassador added that Washington's changing approach to foreign policy and foreign assistance should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from Europe. He said the United States would remain a global power and maintain its relations with European partners, while encouraging them to assume greater responsibility for regional security. **US allocates $1.2 million for cybersecurity centre** Cybersecurity is another area in which Washington intends to maintain its support for Moldova. Burkhalter said the United States had allocated $1.2 million (approximately 21.5 million MDL) for a centre designed to combat cyberattacks targeting Moldova. *“We are making enormous efforts (...) and the United States is partnering with the Republic of Moldova, our friend, to combat these threats in cyberspace. Recently, $1.2 million was allocated for a centre to fight such attacks against Moldova,”* he said. The ambassador also highlighted cooperation between American and Moldovan institutions in tackling online fraud and organised scam networks. He referred to a recent operation involving the US Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which resulted in the closure of five call centres in Chisinau, according to his account. Burkhalter said the operations targeted fraud affecting both American and Moldovan citizens. He put the amount associated with these schemes at approximately $2 million per month (around 35.8 million MDL). *“It is unacceptable for people to be targeted through schemes involving $2 million a month. Americans are not the only victims; Moldovans are also being robbed. This is an excellent example of how we work together, and we will continue doing so in this area,”* the diplomat said. He added that Washington remained prepared to provide further assistance whenever requested by the Moldovan authorities. On electoral interference, disinformation and voter bribery, Burkhalter stressed the importance of freedom of expression, describing it as a cornerstone of American democracy. He said public debate and a diversity of opinions helped societies identify the truth, while emphasising that the United States supported the rule of law and efforts to combat criminal activities affecting electoral processes. **Attracting US investment a priority for new ambassador** Burkhalter said strengthening economic relations between the United States and Moldova would be one of his main priorities. The ambassador, who previously worked in the private sector, said he wanted to create opportunities for American companies to invest in Moldova and expand bilateral trade. *“I come from the private sector. Every day, I wake up thinking about how we can create business opportunities for US companies here in Moldova,”* he said. He noted that several American agencies and organisations helped US businesses expand into international markets. Burkhalter also mentioned projects under the Nexus initiative, which he said could create mutually beneficial economic partnerships between American companies and Moldova. *“It is very important that we are the world's number one economy. That is thanks to our companies and our private sector. (...) I believe we should use that strength in our relations,”* he said. **Power line and new embassy among key US projects in Moldova** Asked about his main objectives during his diplomatic tenure, Burkhalter identified three priorities: the Strășeni–Gutinaș high-voltage electricity interconnection, construction of a new US Embassy in Chisinau, and expanded agricultural cooperation. He described the electricity project, which he referred to as the Trump Liberty Line, as his main priority and said he wanted construction to advance as quickly as possible. *“This high-voltage transmission line is an investment, and we want to deliver this project as soon as possible. My goal is to get it done sooner rather than later,”* the ambassador said. He added that delays would also postpone business opportunities for American engineers, consultants and other companies involved in the project. The second priority is the construction of a new US Embassy in Chisinau. According to Burkhalter, the complex will be located in the historic part of the capital and will include a public park nearby. He described the investment as evidence of Washington's long-term commitment to Moldova. *“If anyone thought the United States had forgotten about Moldova, they should think again, because we are building a new embassy. It will be a large complex in the historic part of the city, with a public park nearby. (...) It is a clear sign that the Americans are staying,”* he said. Agriculture is the third area in which Burkhalter sees opportunities for closer cooperation. He praised Moldova's agricultural potential and said exchanges of technology and expertise could help increase productivity. *“I believe Moldova is an agricultural powerhouse, and, of course, you have some of the best soils. (...) The United States is also an agricultural powerhouse, and there are tremendous opportunities for cooperation between our countries in this field,”* he said. The ambassador added that Moldova had already made use of much of its agricultural potential but could achieve more through technological exchanges and cooperation with American companies. Burkhalter also praised Moldova's resilience in dealing with challenges in recent years, including the refugee crisis caused by Russia's war against Ukraine and disruptions to energy supplies. *“You have faced a great many challenges and overcome them all. (...) The fact that you have overcome them shows that better days lie ahead, including for our bilateral relationship,”* he said. At the end of the interview, Burkhalter reiterated that the United States respected Moldova's independence and sovereignty and remained interested in the country's future. *“We are your friend, and I believe the past 35 years and the 250 years of independence of our two countries, which we celebrated in the same year, are proof of that. We invest in Moldova because we believe in Moldova. We have provided substantial assistance for that reason. (...) Let us face these challenges together,”* the US ambassador concluded. 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