The Prime Minister reiterated Canada’s support for Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression and destabilizing activities – including disinformation, hybrid tactics, interference, and the backing of the breakaway region of Transnistria.
The Prime Minister praised Moldova for opening its doors and providing shelter, safety, and other humanitarian assistance to over 800,000 Ukrainians fleeing the devastation caused by President Putin’s full-scale invasion.
Prime Minister Trudeau underscored Canada’s support to Moldova by announcing a new initiative that will help increase the ability of Moldova’s National Police to provide security, particularly in areas with high numbers of refugees and migrants. Through the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs), Canada is supporting a new $2 million, 18-month project in Moldova with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The project will help provide training, equipment, and technical assistance to the National Police of Moldova and will be critical to their efforts to address security issues in communities with increased mobility.
The Prime Minister announced that, via the Technical Assistance Partnership and in collaboration with the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs Canada, Canada will send Canadian judges to Moldova to share best practices that enhance institutional capacity and strengthen judicial accountability and integrity.
Canada also announced the intention to establish a new set of sanctions regulations under the Special Economic Measures Act in relation to Russia’s illegal and brutal invasion and occupation of Ukraine. These new regulations will allow Canada to sanction individuals and related entities in Moldova who are committing systematic human rights violations, endangering international peace and security, or who have engaged in significant acts of corruption.
The Prime Minister reiterated Canada’s support for Moldova’s domestic institutional reform efforts and anti-corruption agenda, as well as his support for Moldova’s path toward integration with the European Union.
“I want to thank President Sandu for her visit to Canada. We had productive bilateral meetings and made progress on a number of important issues. Canada will continue to support Moldova as it faces significant humanitarian, economic, and security pressures due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.” – Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada