The celebration of the 25 years of cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and the U.S. state of North Carolina was marked at the anniversary session of the bilateral committee, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova. Presided over by Vice Premier Mihai POPȘOI, Secretary of State of North Carolina, Elaine MARSHALL, and His Excellency Kent D. LOGSDON, the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Moldova, the event was attended by ministers, secretaries of state, rectors, vice-rectors, and professors.
During the session, Daniela POJAR, Vice-Rector for Financial Affairs and International Relations at UTM, spoke on the “Exchange Speaker Program: North Carolina State University – Technical University of Moldova with the participation of other universities” project, reiterating UTM’s dedication to modernizing university curricula through the implementation of best practices identified during the visit to North Carolina State University in November 2023. The session was also attended by the delegation of professors from North Carolina State University, United States, who were visiting UTM for collaborative purposes.
The meeting highlighted the remarkable successes achieved in various fields, such as defense and national security, humanitarian efforts, healthcare, and education. These accomplishments have not only strengthened a profound and invaluable cooperation over the course of 25 years but have also contributed substantially to the progress of the Republic of Moldova.
Special emphasis was placed on the cooperation with the North Carolina National Guard in matters concerning security and defense. Through this collaboration, our nation has benefited from assistance from the United States in reforming the defense sector of the Republic of Moldova, training Moldovan military personnel in specialized educational institutions within the United States, provision of equipment, and facilitation of expertise exchange.
Moreover, there was a pronounced interest in extending cooperation between the states in areas such as justice, economic and regional development, agriculture, tourism, and more. In this context, the Secretary of State of North Carolina, Elaine Marshall, affirmed the commitment of the State of North Carolina to continue being a strategic development partner for the Republic of Moldova.
In adherence to the established protocol, the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, convened with the Secretary of State of North Carolina, Elaine F. Marshall. Their discussions centered on crucial aspects of diplomatic relations between Moldova and the United States, with a particular focus on US assistance in consolidating democracy and the rule of law. During the meeting, President Sandu conferred upon the American official the highest honor bestowed by Moldova, the “Order of the Republic,” in recognition of her exemplary character and unwavering support for Moldova. It is noteworthy that a quarter-century ago, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall of North Carolina played an instrumental role in establishing the partnership between Moldova and North Carolina. This collaboration has yielded numerous initiatives in education, agriculture, healthcare, and defense, bringing benefits to thousands of Moldovan citizens.
The United States continues to stand as a reliable ally and esteemed partner for the Republic of Moldova. In this regard, Maia Sandu underscored that the wonderful relations between the USA and our nation are founded on honest dialogue and consistent bilateral commitments, which have contributed to the transformation of this country.
In response, Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall applauded the collaboration between the Republic of Moldova and North Carolina, mentioning that this partnership is not only about project execution but also about commitments, friendships, and interpersonal connections. North Carolina will continue to be a development partner for the Republic of Moldova across multiple domains, including the education, military, medical, humanitarian, and agricultural sectors.
Thus, the partnership between the Republic of Moldova and the U.S. state of North Carolina stands as a solid platform for the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and valuable resources, which have greatly boosted the economic and social development of the Republic of Moldova. By maximizing potential and tackling challenges efficiently and sustainably, both states have achieved substantial progress in key areas of activity, including innovative advancements in education. This close cooperation proves the importance of international collaboration in achieving sustainable development and improving social welfare.
