Canada-Moldova relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada and the Republic of Moldova established diplomatic relations on February 20, 1992, and celebrated their 30th anniversary of positive though limited bilateral relations in 2022. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 highlighted the potential of Russian aggression against the country, Canada and Moldova have pursued closer political and economic ties, with several high-level visits between government officials.
The Republic of Moldova aspires to join the European Union (EU). Canada supports Moldova's integration into the European community as it would contribute directly to the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region, as well as for rules-based international system more broadly.
As members of La Francophonie, Canada and Republic of Moldova cooperate on various issues pertaining to the mandate of the international organization.
The Republic of Moldova opened an embassy in Canada in 2013 and Canada conducts its relations with Moldova through the Embassy of Canada in Bucharest, Romania, with accreditations to Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria. The Moldovan community in Canada is centered mostly in Montreal and Toronto with smaller communities in Calgary and Vancouver.
Trade relations
Canadian trade and investment interests in Moldova remain modest. Bilateral trade amounted to $28M in 2022 and 25.8M in 2023. Canada merchandise exports totaled $2.2M in 2023 and consisted mostly of equipment (agriculture, machine tools), plastics (polyacetals; self-adhesives), pharmaceutical products (human and animal) while imports totaled $23.6M in 2023 and consisted mostly of beverages, spirits and wine, textile products, clothing and food products.
The Canada-Moldova Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) was signed in June 2018 and came into force on August 23, 2019. The FIPA included a joint declaration recognizing the importance of progressive and inclusive trade and investment.
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Development
Canada funds and supports projects aimed at strengthening civil society and human rights, judicial reforms, and supporting free and fair elections in the Republic of Moldova through several programs implemented by Canadian and international organizations. For 2024-2025, the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) will support efforts to improve inclusive governance, peace and security, and human dignity in Moldova.
In September 2024, Canada announced a sovereign loan to the Republic of Moldova for $120 million over 10 years that will help co-finance a World Bank Development Policy Operation loan to build the country’s resilience in its support to Ukraine’s refugees, promote equitable economic growth and support climate resilience.
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Operations
As part of support to the Republic of Moldova's sovereignty, Canada co-sponsored a 2018 UN General Assembly Resolution, calling for the complete and unconditional withdrawal of foreign military from the territory of the Republic of Moldova. On October 8, 2020, Canada aligned with the EU at OSCE reaffirming support for a peaceful and comprehensive settlement of the Transnistrian conflict based upon respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova, and by highlighting the deterioration of the human rights situation in Transnistria.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Republic of Moldova work closely in multilateral forums, such as:
- La Francophonie
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- Open Government Partnership (OGP)
- Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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