Diplomat Annalena Baerbock, the Foreign Minister, heads to Paris for a rendezvous with her dearest friend.
Germany and France, long-standing allies with a shared history and a core part of Germany's political identity, are set to reinforce their friendship and jointly support Moldova at the third Moldova Support Conference. The event, hosted by France on Monday, will bring together international partners to provide emergency financial assistance, humanitarian aid, and long-term development support to the small European nation.
The conference aims to address Moldova's immediate needs, particularly its energy crisis and the influx of refugees from Ukraine, while also focusing on its long-term security concerns. Moldova, a neighbour of Ukraine, faces unique challenges due to the ongoing conflict and the subsequent refugee crisis, with over 100,000 Ukrainians finding temporary refuge in Moldova.
The first Moldova Conference was held in Berlin in March of this year, initiated by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Following the success of the first conference, the Support Platform for Moldova was established, and a follow-up conference was held in Bucharest.
In preparation for the third conference, Minister Baerbock is scheduled to travel to Paris on Sunday, November 20th. There, she will meet her French counterpart, Catherine Colonna, and participate in discussions about the future of German-French friendship and the European Union. The meeting in Paris is an example of the people bringing the friendship of both countries to life, as there are over 2,300 German-French partnerships between cities, federal states, and regions.
Ministers Baerbock and Colonna will also meet with students at a Parisian high school to discuss the importance of the German-French friendship and the European Union. This human closeness and warmth between people on both sides of the Rhine, despite a shared history marked by suffering, war, and bitter competition, is a testament to the enduring bond between the two nations.
The international partners attending the third Moldova aid conference in Paris include the European Union, United States, World Bank, IMF, and neighbouring countries. These partners will work together to provide the necessary aid to help Moldova navigate its current crises and secure a stable and prosperous future.
Moldova's current energy crisis is particularly pressing, as the nation is 80% dependent on Russian gas. The drastic cuts in Russian energy supplies have exacerbated the situation, making it crucial for international partners to step in and offer support.
The third Moldova Support Conference promises to be a significant step forward in addressing the challenges faced by Moldova and reaffirming the commitment of Germany, France, and their international partners to a peaceful and prosperous Europe.
