News

During the bilateral political consultation of Lithuanian and Moldovan Foreign Ministries on 22-23 May in Chisinau, the Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrius Krivas highlighted Moldova’s continuing achievements in advancing its European agenda and welcomed the launch of a visa-free regime for Moldovan citizens to the Schengen zone.

“Moldova is a part of Europe and Lithuania firmly supports the European integration effort and aspirations of Moldova. The EU needs to take real measures to help Moldova withstand pressure and attempts by external forces to make it abandon its chosen course,” A.Krivas said.

The Lithuanian Foreign Vice-Minister discussed important foreign, defence and security policy issues during the meetings with Moldova’s Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Valeriu Chiveri and Iulian Groza, Secretary General of the Presidential Administration  Ion Păduraru and other officials. The delegation led by A.Krivas was also received by Moldova’s Minister of Defence Valeriu Troenco.

During the meetings, A.Krivas underlined the importance of proper preparation for the implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU and the need to ensure continuity in the European reform agenda.

The consultations also discussed Moldova’s participation in the EU’s Eastern Partnership programme, the partnership between NATO and Moldova, contribution to international crisis management operations, the significance of the situation in Ukraine for the region’s security situation and the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, as well as the bilateral cooperation between Lithuania and Moldova.

The European Union and Moldova will sign the Association Agreement on 27 June.