Moldovan Culture Minister Dan Suruceanu met with Nick Petrowicz, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Moldova, to discuss strengthening cooperation between Moldova and the United States in the fields of culture and media.
The talks focused on opportunities for developing joint projects, including initiatives aimed at preserving Moldova’s cultural heritage and supporting independent media.
U.S. Support for Cultural Heritage
A key topic was cooperation through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).
The officials highlighted U.S. support for the restoration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church in Causeni. The project included archaeological research, masonry consolidation, roof rehabilitation and restoration of the church’s murals. The church was reopened to the public in March 2024.
Another project currently underway concerns the preservation of the ruins of the former Beit Kaddishim funeral hall at the Jewish cemetery in Chisinau, also with support from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.
The project involves studying, strengthening and restoring the building, followed by the creation of a small memorial museum at the site.
Cooperation on Independent Media
The officials also discussed cooperation in the media sector, with a particular focus on supporting independent media through programs such as “Supporting Independent Media Grants.”
The talks included the possibility of developing new joint projects and facilitating exchanges of experience between media professionals.
Culture Minister Dan Suruceanu praised the U.S. Embassy’s continued support for Moldova’s cultural and media sectors and stressed the importance of maintaining cooperation in these areas.
Petrowicz, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of strengthening media freedom and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
“As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence and Moldova prepares to mark the 35th anniversary of its independence, these landmark dates provide a unique opportunity to honor the history, traditions and cultural heritage that shape our countries,” Petrowicz said.
He added that the United States expects to further deepen cooperation through initiatives aimed at strengthening media freedom and building stronger ties between the peoples of Moldova and the United States.
“By investing in culture and supporting shared democratic values, we contribute to a stronger and more prosperous future for both our countries,” Petrowicz said.