The European integration is the view, goal and ideal of Moldova, while the Association Agreement with the EU is the best and most efficient strategy for achieving the European integration objective, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman said in the Moldovan European Integration Debate Forum, IPN reports.

According to Natalia Gherman, Moldova does no have an alternative to this course and this objective. Every citizen must answer the question what direction Moldova should follow to develop. “We were very open and sincere as regards the chosen course and goal. We didn’t say it will be easy. On the contrary, we said the road will be long and difficult, with many challenges,” stated the minister.

Natalia Gherman noted that the people’s skepticism should be destroyed. Nobody believed that the Moldovans will be able to travel freely in the EU this year, but this is possible. The same situation was witnessed in the case of the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU. An important result is the fact that a lot of Moldovan agri-food products are exported to the EU duty-free.

“In order to achieve success, we must be determined, not pessimistic or optimistic. This determination that characterized our efforts over the last four years produced results. I’m sure that every citizen felt them,” said the minister. She added that communication with society about the stages and objectives of the European integration process will play a major role in continuation and the involvement of civil society in this process is important.

Natalia Gherman also said that the expression ‘as in Europe’ in Moldova already became synonymous with what is good. “We should work hard so that this expression becomes for us ‘as at home’,” she stated.

The forum was organized by the Foreign Police Association and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.