Ingrida Šimonytė emphasised Lithuania's support for Moldova’s EU membership aspirations in her meeting with Moldovan counterpart
On Thursday, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė has met with Prime Minister of Moldova Dorin Recean to discuss prospects for Moldova’s negotiations on EU membership, the security situation amidst Russia’s ongoing brutal war against Ukraine and hybrid aggression against the democratic world, and the bilateral Lithuanian-Moldovan cooperation.
‘Moldova’s progress in the reforms towards EU membership deserves not only praise but also an early opening of real negotiations. Having walked this path itself 20 years ago, Lithuania knows the importance of backing and will continue to be a reliable and helpful partner for Moldova, just like for Ukraine,’ said Prime Minister Šimonytė.
Lithuania hopes that real negotiations on Moldova’s EU membership, through the convening of an Intergovernmental Conference, will start early this summer, the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister has stressed that despite the extremely difficult environment - Russia's war against Ukraine in the neighbourhood and Russia’s hybrid aggression against Moldova - the country’s progress on the reform agenda is obvious, and it is important that these efforts continue.
Strengthening administrative and institutional capacities, combating disinformation, cyber and hybrid threats - are areas of fruitful partnership between Lithuania and Moldova, which we are ready to continue, taking them further, said Ms Šimonytė.
On the security situation in the region, the Prime Minister has highlighted Moldova’s solidarity with Ukraine and its principled stance in condemning Russia’s crimes in the country.
The meeting has also touched upon the situation in Transnistria, energy security, and other bilateral matters between Lithuania and Moldova.
