During the meeting at the Office of the Government, the sides discussed bilateral cooperation between Lithuania and Moldova, Lithuania's further support to Moldova in implementing the European Commission's recommendations linked to the granting of the EU candidate status, the impact of the Russia's war against Ukraine on the security and economic situation in Moldova and the region.
Prime Minister Šimonytė expressed her appreciation that the visit of President of Moldova to Lithuania is not only an opportunity to celebrate the Statehood Day of Lithuania together but also to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Moldova and Lithuania, which will be celebrated in a couple of days, on July 8.
Prime Minister also congratulated Moldova on its EU candidate status.
‘Moldova has shown great determination, worked hard and deserved this historic decision. This is a motivational message from the EU, together with specific guidelines to start the negotiations on the EU membership. Lithuania stands ready to step up its expert support already provided in those areas where Moldova would see the greatest need’, said Ms Šimonytė.
Prime Minister addressed the particularly difficult situation of Moldova in the context of the Russia's war against Ukraine, as the small neighbour of Ukraine has to cope with a triple shock: an influx of war refugees, an economic crisis and an increase in tensions over security. Ms Šimonytė welcomed Moldova's principled stance in condemning Russia's aggression, its hospitality in welcoming war refugees from Ukraine, and its steps to strengthen the country's national security and energy independence.
‘We stand in solidarity with Moldova, we want to strengthen the bilateral cooperation and help Moldova withstand the consequences of the economic and energy crisis’, stated Prime Minister of Lithuania.
