The US Department of State has made public the Joint Statement of the US and Moldovan governments. The document was signed during Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat's visit to the USA on 19-23 January, the government's press service has said.

The Joint Statement by the United States and the Republic of Moldova on the intensification of our bilateral cooperation:

"The governments of the United States and the Republic of Moldova have agreed to intensify our dialogue across the spectrum of our shared interests. These interests include facilitating the further development of democracy, rule of law, market economics and prosperity, defense cooperation, people-to-people contacts, and support for Moldova's European aspirations.

Today, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Moldovan Prime Minister Vladimir Filat presided over the signing of a Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact to finance critical improvements in Moldova's agricultural sector and road infrastructure. This agreement will provide $262 million in U.S. assistance over five years. The MCC Compact represents the kind of practical assistance that the United States continues to provide to the Moldovan people and a tangible symbol of the friendship and partnership between our two countries.

The United States welcomes the intent of the Moldovan government to further develop its reform agenda and reaffirms its continued support for Moldova's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Both nations renew their support for the resumption of formal "5+2" negotiations and a final settlement of the Transnistria dispute. In this regard, the United States supports the expansion of confidence and security-building measures. The United States also welcomes the Moldovan government s intent to contribute to international peacekeeping operations.

22 January 2010"