News

On 28 September Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antanas Valionis met with the President of Moldova Vladimir Voronin and his delegation paying an official visit to Lithuania.

During the working lunch the parties welcomed the enhancement of bilateral Lithuania-Moldovan political cooperation. Moldovan President notified that he had signed the decree on the establishment of Moldovan Embassy in Lithuania. According to Lithuanian Foreign Minister this step provides additional opportunities to intensify not only political but also economic and cultural exchange. Lithuania also considers possibility to establish its embassy in Moldova.

Discussing the possibility to facilitate the Lithuanian and Moldovan citizens’ travels, Moldovan President promised that Lithuanian citizens will be exempted from compulsory foreigners’ registration with the police. According to the Agreement on the Travel of Citizens, which came into force on 7 July, Lithuanian citizens coming to Moldova do not require visas and Moldovan citizens can obtain Lithuanian visas much easier.

Much attention was paid to the development of Moldova’s relations with the European Union and possibilities provided by the European neighbourhood policy. Lithuanian side expressed support to Moldova’s European integration aspirations and encouraged Moldova to use efficiently the EU instruments. Lithuania has already started the implementation of Moldova’s support projects aiming to strengthen administrational capacities and implement internal reforms.

In discussing the Transdnistrian issue the Minister underlined that the solution to the conflict should be based on the principle of Moldova’s territorial integrity. The EU’s role in handling the problem and giving an additional impetus for work towards the Transdnistrian conflict settlement was also considered. Also the necessity to fulfil the Istanbul obligations concerning foreign military forces withdrawal from Moldova was emphasised.

Both parties confirmed their determination to strengthen the Baltic and Black Sea regional cooperation, which would enhance the spread of democracy and implementation of reforms in these countries.