Switzerland to allocate 2 mln francs for Moldova to address problems of Ukrainian refugees

CHISINAU. March 22 (Interfax) - Switzerland will allocate 2 million Swiss francs (about $2 million) for Moldova to manage the crisis prompted by the inflow of refugees from Ukraine, President Ignazio Cassis of the Swiss Confederation said at a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Tuesday, during his visit to Chisinau.

Switzerland has also provided 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Moldova and is rendering expert support to manage the crisis, he said.

"Switzerland is willing to open its market to Moldovan goods," Cassis said while taking questions from journalists.

Negotiations are currently underway on setting up a free trade area with Moldova within the framework of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which also includes Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.

Switzerland has about 30 free trade agreements with various countries and is planning to conclude an analogous agreement with Moldova so as to streamline trade relations, Cassis said.