Prime Minister visiting Chișinău: Lithuania believes in Moldova’s European future and will help bring it closer
During an official visit to the Republic of Moldova, Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas met with the country’s leadership – President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
The visit, a gesture of solidarity and support for Moldova’s integration into the European Union, included discussions on the progress of this process, the security situation in the region and Europe, Lithuania’s support in strengthening Moldova’s resilience and implementing its European integration agenda, bilateral cooperation, and other relevant issues.
As part of efforts to help Moldova enhance its security, Lithuania handed over 100 FPV drones to the country.
“I am pleased to be here in Moldova to express Lithuania’s strong support for the country’s European integration path. We are fully aware that this is not a journey without challenges, but you are not walking it alone – Lithuania believes in Moldova’s European future and will continue to provide the political, expert, and technical assistance needed to implement reforms and build resilience. Despite Russia’s interference and the broad spectrum of hybrid actions targeting Moldova, the country is making steady progress toward EU membership – a path chosen by its people,” said Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas.
The Lithuanian Head of Government emphasized that the project of a peaceful, united, and secure Europe cannot be fulfilled without the full EU membership of Moldova, Ukraine, and the Western Balkan countries. He stressed the importance of maintaining an ambitious pace in implementing reforms, with a strong focus on quality and sustainability.
The parties discussed which forms of Lithuanian support are currently most relevant for ensuring Moldova’s smooth and accelerated European integration.
Lithuania remains committed to supporting the reform of Moldova’s energy sector and the diversification of its energy sources. “We fully understand the importance of this process and the reality that any dependency on Russia can be turned into a weapon,” the Prime Minister noted.
The discussion also covered Lithuania’s support for Moldova in countering Russian disinformation. This assistance, along with efforts to enhance resilience to cyber and other hybrid threats, is especially relevant in preparation for Moldova’s upcoming parliamentary elections.
Support for Ukraine, which continues to defend itself against Russian aggression, remains of critical importance, especially given the aggressor’s lack of any intention to pursue peace. The parties also stressed the continued need to apply pressure on Russia through sanctions.
Economic relations between Lithuania and Moldova, as well as other regional developments, were also discussed during the meetings.
