- Foreign Secretary will announce new funding to boost regional
resilience against Russian malign interference
- UK to underline support for territorial integrity and
sovereignty as part of work with Russia’s neighbours to deal with
the threat on their doorstep
- Funding will support governance reforms and fair elections
and builds on anti-corruption programmes
The UK is ramping up its financial support to Moldova and
Georgia, as they continue to suffer from the destabilising impact
of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
On a visit to the two countries (16-17 March), Foreign Secretary
will announce an extra
£10million to support economic and governance reforms in Moldova,
and new funding to strengthen the security of next year’s
elections in Georgia.
Cleverly will reiterate that the UK stands with the people of
Moldova and Georgia in defending their democratic choice to
pursue a path of freedom, independence and
sovereignty.
Ahead of the visit, Foreign Secretary
said:
“Few societies understand the underhand tactics of Russian
malign activity more than Moldova and
Georgia.
“The UK will not stand idly by while Moscow blatantly
undermines their democracy, sovereignty and territorial
integrity.
“We must reinforce their resilience to Russia’s hybrid
threats, safeguard the democratic choices of their people and
protect them from the threat on their doorstep.”
Both countries are vulnerable as they suffer from the effects of
the Kremlin’s hybrid tactics, aggression and attempts to extend
Russian control over the region. The Foreign Secretary will
demonstrate the UK’s unwavering commitment to protecting their
territorial integrity and sovereignty.
While in Chișinău, the Foreign Secretary will announce UK
government plans to bolster Moldova’s resilience to this malign
interference through an additional £10million of funding for
economic and governance reforms, including in the energy
sector.
In Georgia, Cleverly will see how UK cooperation is helping to
counter subversive Russian meddling, including collaboration on
defence and cyber security.
To help strengthen democracy in Georgia, the UK will also be
providing £500,000 aimed at creating an environment for free and
fair elections in 2024, protecting them from external
interference.
The new provisions to be announced during the Foreign Secretary’s
visit build on the UK Government’s existing support to both
countries.
The new pledge for Moldova comes on top of the £12million already
contributing to critical anti-corruption and transparency work in
the country.
Work is also underway to help Moldova strengthen its defences
against cyber-attacks, combat pro-Russian disinformation, reform
the armed forces, build a stronger economy and tackle corruption.
This is accompanied by a further £10million of support for UN
agencies providing to provide essential services and financial
help to Ukrainian refugees and the Moldovan citizens that are
hosting them.
