US secretary of state arrives in Moldova capital

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Saturday arrived in Moldova, one of the countries neighbouring Ukraine that has seen an influx of refugees from the embattled country.

The International Organization for Migration said the number of people who have left Ukraine since fighting began has now reached 1.45 million.

The U.N. migration agency, citing figures from government ministries in countries where they have arrived, said Saturday that some 228,700 people fled to Moldova. Another 144,700 to Hungary, 132,600 to Romania, 100,500 to Slovakia and about 787,300 to Poland.

Blinken met Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita, and pledged America's support to the country that is coping with an influx of refugees from Ukraine. Blinken said Moldova's welcoming of refugees is an inspiration to the world.

Although it has no plans to try to become a member of NATO, Moldova formally applied to join the European Union just three days ago in a fast-track bid to bolster its ties with the West.