“This visit aims to once again demonstrate to the people of Moldova that Moldova is important for Europe and that reforms foreseen by the Moldovan Government are relevant,” said Lithuania’s Foreign Minister.
In the meetings in Chișinău, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister called for concerted efforts by all political forces in Moldova to implement the reforms that were the key to the success of Moldova’s European integration.
“European support will not be provided in advance. It will depend on the very concrete steps that are expected by international donors and, first of all, are needed by the people of this country. In the nearest future, the Moldovan authorities must reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund and show concrete results in the fight against corruption when reforming the legal system, banking system and power sector, and provide more media transparency,” said Linkevičius.
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister pointed out that in implementing reforms it was important to maintain a close and regular dialogue with civil society.
Linkevičius also stressed that Lithuania had made significant investments when sharing its successful experience of European integration with Moldova and remained committed to continue to do its part.
Moldova’s President Timofti and Foreign Minister Galbur highlighted the importance of Lithuania’s support for Moldova and thanked the country for this.
“Lithuania’s experience, support and Lithuanian experts working in Chișinău are very useful for Moldova and we are very grateful to your country for this,” said Moldova’s Foreign Minister Galbur in a meeting with Linkevičius.
In Chișinău, Linkevičius met with leaders of Moldova’s political parties and representatives from the opposition, including the Chairman of the Democratic Party Marian Lupu, the leader of the Liberal Party Mihai Ghimpu, the leader of the European People’s Party Iurie Leancă, the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party and a leader of the opposition Maia Sandu.
Later today Lithuania’s Foreign Minister will also meet with the Speaker of the Parliament Andrian Candu, the Prime Minister Pavel Filip and the leader of the Platform “Dignity and Truth” Party Andrei Năstase.
Currently, 25 experts are working as advisers in the EU High Level Policy Advisory Mission to Moldova, 5 of them come from Lithuania.
