Moldova – Visit by Laurence Boone (March 7-8, 2023)

Laurence Boone, Minister of State for Europe, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, will be visiting Moldova on March 7 and 8. This visit reflects France’s commitment to strengthening the French-Moldovan bilateral relationship and Moldova’s rapprochement with the European Union.

Following the visit to Moldova by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna in January and her recent discussions with Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu in Brussels on February 20, this visit will help us strengthen our bilateral relationship and will underscore Europe’s strong support for Moldova’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

On March 8, International Women’s Day, she will be joined for part of her visit by several of her European counterparts: Anna Lührman from Germany, Karoline Edtstadler from Austria, Velislava Petrova from Bulgaria, Andreja Metelko-Zgombić from Croatia, Judit Varga from Hungary, Dominique Hasler from Lichtenstein, Jovita Neliupšienė from Lithuania, and Jessika Roswall from Sweden. They will jointly express their support for Moldova, which is dealing with the consequences of the war in Ukraine.

During this joint visit, the Minister of State will be received by Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Dorin Recean, President of the Moldovan Parliament Igor Grosu and Justice Minister Veronica Mihailov-Moraru. She will also have discussions with civil society representatives and NGOs about women’s rights and roles in connection with Moldova’s rapprochement with the EU.

Ms. Boone will also meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicu Popescu ahead of the second European Political Community (EPC) summit, to be held Moldova on June 1, to discuss France’s support for Moldova as it organizes this major diplomatic event.