UK Foreign Secretary visits Moldova and Georgia to pledge support against "Russian malign interference"

The UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is on a two-day visit to Moldova and Georgia to announce new funding to "boost regional resilience against Russian malign interference".

In a press release from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office issued on Thursday (16 March), the UK Government said they will "underline support for territorial integrity and sovereignty as part of work with Russia’s neighbours to deal with the threat on their doorstep.

They added that funding will support governance reforms, fair elections, and anti-corruption programmes.

"We must reinforce their resilience to Russia’s hybrid threats"

First visiting the Moldovan capital of Chisinau on Thursday, Cleverly announced an extra £10 million (€11.4 million) to support economic and governance reforms in Moldova. This new pledge comes on top of £12 million already contributing to military reforms, and anti-corruption and transparency work in the country.

Speaking in a news conference alongside his counterpart Nicu Popescu in Chisinau, Cleverly said: "You are not alone, we, together with international partners will help the Republic of Moldova to face this unprecedented, brutal war on your doorstep... with the exception of Ukraine, no other country has felt the impact of Putin’s cruel war more deeply than Moldova."

On his part Nicu Popescu said that the UK's financial support for Moldova shows they "have strong friends and we enjoy their steadfast support."

"We continue to be unwavering in our support for your sovereignty and territorial integrity"

Visiting the Georgian capital of Tbilisi one day later, on Friday (17 March), Cleverly announced a £500,000 package aimed at creating an environment for free and fair elections in 2024, protecting them from external interference.

Speaking in a news conference alongside his Georgian counterpart Ilia Darchiashvili, Cleverly said that the UK continues "to be unwavering in our support for your sovereignty and territorial integrity".

He added that, "just as in Ukraine, the sovereign right of the Georgian people to determine their own future...and destiny, independent of external interference, must be respected, and must be defended."

Responding to Cleverly's arrival on Twitter, Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili said, "While displaying mesmerizing views of night Tbilisi to my colleague, I had an opportunity to discuss a set of themes of Georgia and United Kingdom bilateral agenda with him. I’m sure, this visit will contribute to broadening cooperation between two countries."

During his visit, James Cleverly will also meet the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, and the occupation line to learn about the current situation on the ground.

source: commonspace.eu with agencies
photo: The Independent

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

Israel’s isolation is increasing as twenty eight countries including the United Kingdom and a majority of Member States of the European Union issued a joint statement on Monday 21 July saying the war in Gaza “must end now” and condemning Israel over 'inhumane killing' of Gaza civilians seeking aid. The foreign ministers of countries, also including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, France, Italy and Japan, said “the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.” The statement described as “horrifying” the recent deaths of over 800 Palestinians who were seeking aid, according to the figures released by Gaza’s Health Ministry and the U.N. human rights office.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

Israel’s isolation is increasing as twenty eight countries including the United Kingdom and a majority of Member States of the European Union issued a joint statement on Monday 21 July saying the war in Gaza “must end now” and condemning Israel over 'inhumane killing' of Gaza civilians seeking aid. The foreign ministers of countries, also including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, France, Italy and Japan, said “the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.” The statement described as “horrifying” the recent deaths of over 800 Palestinians who were seeking aid, according to the figures released by Gaza’s Health Ministry and the U.N. human rights office.