Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi met with Florence Bauer, UNFPA Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, TRIBUNA reports.

The discussions focused on cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and UNFPA, with an emphasis on strengthening demographic resilience, promoting gender equality, preventing and combating gender-based violence, and supporting families and young people.

Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi praised UNFPA’s contribution to strengthening institutional capacities and highlighted the progress made by the Republic of Moldova in promoting women’s participation in political and public life. At the same time, the official reiterated the authorities’ commitment to strengthening mechanisms for preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

“These policies are not being promoted for the sake of statistics or international rankings, but to concretely improve the quality of life of the people of the Republic of Moldova. We will continue to strengthen institutions and protection mechanisms so that they can effectively respond to citizens’ needs,” Minister Mihai Popșoi said.

The interlocutors also discussed the development of childcare services, increasing women’s participation in the labor market, and supporting young people and families amid the demographic changes facing the Republic of Moldova.

Florence Bauer welcomed the progress made by the Republic of Moldova and its response to refugees from Ukraine, highlighting the integrated approach through which the support provided also contributes to strengthening services for local communities.

At the end of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in deepening the partnership between the Republic of Moldova and UNFPA, including in the context of the country’s European integration path and the future United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.