VIDEO // U.S. Ambassador: New embassy and power line demonstrate Washington’s commitment to Moldova

The United States will continue developing its relations with the Republic of Moldova and investing in strategic projects, while the construction of a new embassy in Chișinău and the development of a high-voltage power line between Moldova and Romania are evidence of America’s commitment to the country. The statements were made by U.S. Ambassador to Chișinău Joseph Mark Burkhalter during the Diplomatic Dimension program on Moldova 1.


“It is a clear sign that the Americans intend to stay, Moldova will continue to be our friend, and we will continue to develop the bilateral relationship,” the diplomat said, referring to U.S. investments in the Republic of Moldova.


Burkhalter noted that one of his priorities is to complete as quickly as possible the high-voltage power line that will connect the Republic of Moldova with Romania. The project, called the Trump Liberty Line, involves an investment of $130 million.




“This power line is an important objective for me,” the ambassador said.


Another project cited by Burkhalter as evidence of America’s long-term presence is the construction of the new U.S. embassy in the capital. The investment is estimated at $400 million, and the complex is to be built in the historic area of Chișinău, with a public park nearby.


“Many people thought that we had not had an ambassador here for two and a half years, and the media were saying that the United States had somehow forgotten about Moldova. I believe that is far from true,” Burkhalter said.


The diplomat also reaffirmed Washington’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, stating that the Transnistrian region is part of the country.


“The United States is a strong supporter of the territorial sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova, and that will not change. The Transnistrian region is part of Moldova,” the ambassador said.


In this context, he mentioned the involvement of OSCE representatives in efforts to resolve the Transnistrian conflict and announced that the head of the OSCE Permanent Mission in Vienna is expected to come to Chișinău, at his invitation, for discussions with Moldovan authorities.

In the field of cybersecurity, Burkhalter said that the United States had allocated $1.2 million for a center dedicated to combating cyberattacks against the Republic of Moldova. He emphasized that Washington and Chișinău are cooperating to address threats in the digital space.

The ambassador also mentioned cooperation between Moldovan and American institutions in combating fraud. According to him, five call centers were identified and shut down in October following cooperation between the authorities of the Republic of Moldova, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the FBI.


“Americans are not the only ones being robbed; Moldovans are also being robbed. This is an extraordinary example of how we work and will continue to work together in this space,” the diplomat stated.


In addition to infrastructure and security projects, Burkhalter said he aims to intensify trade and investment by American companies in the Republic of Moldova. He mentioned agriculture, technology, and healthcare among the areas in which he sees opportunities for cooperation.


“Every morning I wake up and think about how to create business opportunities for U.S. companies here in Moldova,” the ambassador said.


In his message to citizens, Burkhalter reiterated that the United States respects the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova and expressed confidence in the future of bilateral relations.


“We respect Moldova’s independence. We respect Moldova’s sovereignty, and we are very enthusiastic about the future of the Republic of Moldova. We are your friend,” the ambassador concluded.


Joseph Mark Burkhalter was nominated in June 2026 by U.S. President Donald Trump to serve as ambassador to the Republic of Moldova and was subsequently confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Before his appointment to Chișinău, he had been nominated for the position of U.S. ambassador to Norway.

Burkhalter has 18 years of experience in the politics of the state of Georgia, where he represented a district in northern Fulton County, near Atlanta, in the General Assembly. In the state legislature, he served as Speaker of the House of Representatives and Speaker Pro Tempore. He also worked in real estate development and served as a senior adviser at Dentons US LLP, where he focused on public policy and economic development projects.

Previously, the position of U.S. ambassador to Chișinău was held by Kent D. Logsdon, whose term ended in May 2024. Since August 2025, the American diplomatic mission in Chișinău has been led by Chargé d’Affaires Nick Pietrowicz.