WASHINGTON -- Moldova's foreign minister has arrived in the U.S. capital to seek an "intensification" of political and economic ties between the countries.
Speaking at an event on Chisinau's EU ambitions hosted by Washington's European Institute, Natalia Gherman said her country had made enough democratic reforms to merit "a permanent mechanism for political consultations" with the United States.
Gherman, who is also Moldova's deputy prime minister, said she would also push for a more active U.S. role in international efforts to resolve the conflict over the country's breakaway Transdniester region.
She also said she would seek expanded trade and U.S. investment in Moldova -- a development she said would be "very timely" amid "external pressure."
Russia banned imports of Moldovan wine earlier this month, a move seen by analysts as punishment for the country's progress toward a free-trade agreement with the EU.
Gherman is scheduled to meet with U.S. State Department officials and lawmakers during her three-day trip.
Speaking at an event on Chisinau's EU ambitions hosted by Washington's European Institute, Natalia Gherman said her country had made enough democratic reforms to merit "a permanent mechanism for political consultations" with the United States.
Gherman, who is also Moldova's deputy prime minister, said she would also push for a more active U.S. role in international efforts to resolve the conflict over the country's breakaway Transdniester region.
She also said she would seek expanded trade and U.S. investment in Moldova -- a development she said would be "very timely" amid "external pressure."
Russia banned imports of Moldovan wine earlier this month, a move seen by analysts as punishment for the country's progress toward a free-trade agreement with the EU.
Gherman is scheduled to meet with U.S. State Department officials and lawmakers during her three-day trip.
