CHISINAU. July 15 (Interfax) - The United States should support Moldova in its efforts to strengthen its international permanent neutral status, President Igor Dodon said at a meeting with U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale on Saturday.
The pair "discussed many issues concerning the development of our bilateral strategic dialogue," Dodon wrote on Facebook, commenting on the results of the meeting.
"I called on the U.S. to support our efforts to strengthen our country's permanent internationally-recognized neutrality. I reassured the U.S. undersecretary of state that the presidential administration, the government and the parliamentary majority will stick to all the international treaties which were signed by the Republic of Moldova, including with the European Union," Dodon said.
He praised "the U.S. support in the cause of resolving Moldova's political crisis and ensuring the peaceful transfer of power by the previous government.
"Thanks to the support of external partners and a broad internal consensus, Moldova has every chance of economic recovery and pursuing a balanced foreign policy on the basis of national interests."
Dodon and Hale also discussed the Transdniestrian issue. "We still highly rate the prospects of the 5 +2 process and the roles of the U.S. and the other negotiators," Dodon said.
He also thanked the U.S. for financial aid and providing Moldova with significant support in various spheres over the 27 years of its independence."
Hale visited Moldova on Saturday as part of his European tour. On Saturday he also met with Prime Minister Maia Sandu.