Accessibility links

Breaking News

US Vice President Backs Reform in Moldova


Moldovans wave American flags as US Vice President Joseph Biden speaks to several thousand people on a central square in Chisinau, Moldova, March 11, 2011
Moldovans wave American flags as US Vice President Joseph Biden speaks to several thousand people on a central square in Chisinau, Moldova, March 11, 2011

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is telling Moldova its future lies with Europe, and he has urged the former Soviet state to continue democratic reforms aimed at integration with the European Union.

Speaking Friday in Chisinau after talks with Prime Minister Vlad Filat, Biden also pledged support for Moldova's political and economic reforms and praised the country's efforts to fight corruption.

Hundreds of people lined the streets of the capital waving Moldovan flags for Biden's visit, the last stop on his three-nation European tour.

The U.S. vice president is the highest-ranking official to visit Moldova in decades.

On Thursday, Biden was in Russia, urging Moscow officials to introduce political reforms and strengthen the rule of law if they want to attract foreign investors.

Vice President Biden's European tour began in Finland.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

XS
SM
MD
LG