M. Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is visiting Moldova today, Thursday 3 March 2022, together with Mr Janez Lenar?i?, European Commissioner responsible for humanitarian aid and crisis management.
During the visit ? building on the telephone conversation between the French President and Ms Maia Sandu, President of Moldova, on Saturday 26 February 2022 ? the Minister will express France and the European Union's full solidarity with Moldova's stability and sovereignty amid the consequences of the war in Ukraine.
The massive Russian military invasion of Ukraine is a serious threat to the whole region's security and stability, and Moldova is currently facing an especially difficult humanitarian situation. France supports Moldova's request to benefit from the European Civil Protection Mechanism and is taking part in humanitarian assistance to Moldova in a bilateral capacity. The Minister's visit will coincide with the provision to the Moldovan authorities of an initial donation of nearly 40 tonnes of emergency humanitarian supplies. More broadly, France will be stepping up its action to contribute to the country's economic development and energy security.
During the visit, the Minister will hold meetings with Ms Maia Sandu, President of Moldova, and Mr Nicu Popescu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. Jean-Yves Le Drian will also hold several meetings with representatives of institutions and organizations involved in dealing with the humanitarian crisis and taking in refugees.