Lithuania remains a strong supporter of the European aspirations of the Republic of Moldova and stands ready to share all its expertise and technical assistance for the implementation of reforms so that the Republic of Moldova becomes a member of the EU in the nearest future, Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas stated at a press conference held in Chisinau. During the event, Prime Minister Dorin Recean handed him a copy of the decision of the First Parliament of 1990, by which Moldova recognized Lithuania’s independence, IPN reports.
“The Republic of Moldova was the first to recognize the regaining of Lithuania’s independence, in the spring of 1990. Lithuania remains today an example of dignity and courage for our country. As a gesture of friendship, 35 years later, I want to offer you a copy from the National Archive of the Republic of Moldova of the decision of the First democratically elected Parliament, of May 31, 1990, by which the independence of Lithuania was recognized,” said Dorin Recean.
The official noted that the Moldovan-Lithuanian partnership is based on a common vision for a united, peaceful and secure Europe. Lithuania has always been a firm supporter of the irreversible European path of the Republic of Moldova. The two states also stood in solidarity with Ukraine and pleaded for an end to Russia’s bloody war.
“Like my counterpart, I believe that a just peace for Ukraine is the only right way, and EU enlargement – essentially a peace project – is the best investment for a secure and prosperous Europe,” noted the head of the executive.
Lithuania is an active partner of the Republic of Moldova, contributing through concrete projects in agriculture, green energy, security and institutional development. Last year, bilateral trade saw an increase of more than 25%, reaching almost $47 million.
“I proposed staging a Moldovan-Lithuanian business forum in Chisinau to create more direct contacts between our business communities,” said Dorin Recean.
Gintautas Paluckas noted that the main purpose of his visit today is to reiterate Lithuania’s support for the Republic of Moldova, for the Government of the Republic of Moldova, which stepped on the path of genuine European reforms for the benefit of the people.
“Lithuania remains a firm supporter of the European aspirations of the Republic of Moldova. This support will never deviate. Now, in the face of these global challenges, a prosperous Europe, a successful Europe would not be complete without the membership of the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the Western Balkans,” said the official.
The Lithuanian official voiced hope that considerable progress in Moldova’s accession negotiations will be seen in the near future. The assistance, the resources that are provided to Moldova remain a high priority on the agenda of the Lithuanian Government.
“Lithuania is ready to contribute by sharing experience in countering hybrid threats, but also to provide material support. Our experts are participating in NATO and EU rapid reaction teams with the aim of strengthening your resilience ahead of the parliamentary elections,” said Gintautas Paluckas.
He said Lithuania repeatedly noted that all democracies in the world must unite their efforts against totalitarian regimes, first of all to stop Russia’s imperialist ambitions, but also to achieve a sustainable and lasting peace in Ukraine. Also, to hold Russia accountable for all the damage caused.
“I am convinced that the future of the Moldovan people is in the European family and I can promise you that Lithuania and the government I lead will work hard to congratulate the Republic of Moldova as a member of the EU in the nearest future,” concluded the Lithuanian official.