During 25-27 August 2011, IOM Director General, Mr. William Lacy Swing, paid his first visit to the Republic of Moldova on the occasion of its 20th Anniversary of Independence and participated in the official celebrations in its regard. A series of high level meetings have been held to discuss the migration management and counter-trafficking policies, as well as IOM Moldova Mission’s support and contribution to their development and implementation.

During his visit Mr. Swing met with the Acting President, Mr. Marian Lupu, the Prime Minister of Moldova, Mr. Vladimir Filat, the Vice-Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Mr. Iurie Leanca, the Minister and Vice-Minister of Labour Social Protection, Ms. Valentina Buliga and Mr. Sergiu Sainciuc accordingly, as well as the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Alexei Roibu. read more

The Moldovan authorities have expressed gratitude to IOM for its commitment and support in addressing the irregular migration and human trafficking phenomena, protecting the rights of migrants, implementing the reform in migration management domain and development of the evidence based migration policies in accordance with the European standards. The Vice - Prime Minister Iurie Leanca has emphasized the IOM Moldova’s contribution to the EU perspectives of Moldova, in particular in implementation of the Action Plan for visa liberalization with the EU, Readmission Agreement with the EC, facilitating the dialog with Moldova Diaspora associations abroad, support to the National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, etc.

The Acting President, Mr. Lupu stated that developing new strategies and adapting sound policies in migration management are the top priorities on the country’s political agenda, emphasizing the vital role of IOM as the key strategic partner in the domain. “We highly appreciate the IOM’s role in promoting migration policies and assisting Moldova in fulfilling its international commitments”, stated the Acting President. 

The Prime-Minister emphasized IOM’s valuable contribution in addressing the irregular migration and human trafficking phenomena that represent an essential priority for the Government. “Moldova needs advanced management and policies addressing migration issues that should ensure protection of our citizens”, stated Mr. Filat and reassured Government’s commitment to continue working in the field together with IOM Moldova.

During the official meetings the IOM Director General greatly appreciated the responsiveness and involvement of the national authorities, and thanked for their openness and eagerness to further cooperate for the benefit of the country and its citizens. Mr. Swing reaffirmed the IOM’s engagement and further contribution to the initiated and still up-coming activities in order to maintain the course as long as needed. “We will continue lobbying for donors’ support and political support from the EU on such issues as visa liberalization and circular migration for Moldova”, stated Mr. Swing.

Mr. Swing had a chance to visit the Centre for Assistance and Protection of Victims and Potential Victims of Trafficking under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour Social Protection and Family, and the Centre for Temporary Placement of Irregular Migrants (Migrant Accommodation Centre) under the auspices of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where he met the staff and witnessed himself the high-quality standards of services provided to the Centres’ beneficiaries.
 
During the second day of Mr. Swing’s visit to Moldova an official lunch with the United Nations Country Team was held to discuss issues of common interest and concern, achieved successes, as well as the IOM’s role in the UN Country Team. The Director General highly appreciated the support of all UN agencies, as well as pointed out the IOM’s further intentions to continuously participate in the development of the common UN strategy in Moldova. 
 
On the occasion of the IOM Director General visit a reception to celebrate the IOM’s 60th Anniversary and its 10 years presence in Moldova with main partners and friends was organized. In his opening speech, Mr. Swing emphasized the growing dimensions of migration phenomenon in the world in line with the rapidly enlarging number of IOM Mission’s, and therefore the Organizations vital role in addressing the new challenges in its capacity of sole intergovernmental organization which mandate is focused exclusively on migration and related issues. The IOM Director General expressed his deep appreciation of the IOM Moldova Mission’s activities and successes under the leadership of the Chief of Mission, Mr. Martin Wyss, as well as thanked all the donors and partners for their support and collaboration in promoting human rights, dignity and prosperity of migrants and, therefore, contributing to enhancing positive aspects of Migration for the Benefit of All.

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