Moldova’s Culture Minister Seeks Return of U.S. Media Grants

The Minister of Culture Asks for the Return of U.S. Grants for Moldovan Media Outlets

Culture Minister Dan Suruceanu met with Nick Petrovich, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Moldova. The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation between Moldova and the United States in the fields of culture and media, as well as on the prospects for developing joint projects.

Nick Petrovich and Dan Suruceanu

An important topic of the meeting was cooperation in the field of cultural heritage preservation, including through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). In this context, the support provided for the restoration of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Căușeni was highlighted. The work included archaeological research, masonry reinforcement, and the restoration of the roof and murals, and in March 2024, the church was reopened to the public.

Another project under discussion, currently in the implementation phase, aims to preserve the ruins of the former Beit Kadishim funeral hall at the Jewish cemetery in Chisinau, with support from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. The project includes surveying the building, reinforcing and restoring it, and then establishing a small memorial museum on the site.

Cooperation in the field of media was also discussed, with an emphasis on supporting independent media, including through programs such as the “Grants to Support Independent Media.” Discussions also focused on opportunities to develop new joint projects and exchange expertise among professionals in this field.

Dan Suruceanu praised the U.S. Embassy’s ongoing support for the development of the cultural and media sectors in the Republic of Moldova and emphasized the importance of continuing joint projects in these areas.

“As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence, and Moldova prepares to mark the 35th anniversary of its independence, these milestone dates provide a unique opportunity to honor the history, traditions, and cultural heritage that shape our countries. We look forward to further deepening our cooperation through initiatives aimed at strengthening media freedom and fostering strong ties between the people of our countries. “By investing in culture and upholding shared democratic values, we are contributing to a stronger and more prosperous future for both of our countries,” said Nick Petrovich.