Whereas the United States has enjoyed stable and positive relations with the Republic of Moldova for over 25 years; Whereas, since Moldova's independence in 1991, the United States has provided financial assistance to support the people of Moldova's efforts to build a prosperous European democracy; Whereas the Governments of the United States and Moldova further strengthened their partnership through the launching of the inaugural Strategic Dialogue on March 3, 2014; Whereas the United States Government seeks to help Moldova increase its prosperity, secure its democratic institutions, secure its internationally recognized borders, and integrate with Europe and the Euro-Atlantic community; Whereas the United States and Moldova continue to broaden and deepen their partnership through advancing shared interests in democracy, good governance, anti-corruption, energy independence, economic development, and security cooperation through the relaunching of the Strategic Dialogue on June 23, 2017; Whereas corruption remains a major obstacle in Moldova, which inhibits the country’s ability to develop businesses, attract foreign investment, ensure good governance, and pursue closer integration with the European Union; Whereas the Government of Moldova has been urged to fight corruption and improve governance since Moldova's independence, particularly in the wake of a 2014 scandal involving the loss of over a billion dollars, and the Government of Moldova has moved forward with certain reforms seeking to address these issues; Whereas efforts to improve governance and adopt domestic reforms are critical to Moldova's ability to secure loan packages from international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the European Union; Whereas the International Monetary Fund has approved a three-year loan package premised on the continuation of reforms focused on strengthening the economy, bolstering economic development, and promoting trade and investment