U.S. promises $65 mln in extra aid for Moldova - Moldovan govt

CHISINAU. July 20 (Interfax) - United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken promised an extra $65 million in aid for Moldova at a meeting with Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita in Washington, the Moldovan government's press service told Interfax on Wednesday.

"The secretary of state and the prime minister also discussed the U.S.' intention to earmark an extra $64.5 million to support Moldova's long-term democratic and economic resilience and to help Moldova defend its sovereignty. After February 24, the U.S. has committed nearly $75 million in humanitarian assistance and almost $124 million in economic and security assistance to Moldova," it said.

The U.S. Department of State said Blinken and Gavrilita discussed Moldova's energy security and the humanitarian situation in the country prompted by the events in Ukraine.

Blinken also congratulated Moldova on obtaining EU candidate status and its progress on continued reforms to advance its European integration.

"The United States will continue to support Moldova's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic reform agenda," Blinken wrote on social media following the meeting with Gavrilita.