“The European integration of Moldova will bring stability and security in southeastern Europe,” Prime Minister Iurie Leanca said in an interview for BBC World News. He stated that the state of affairs in the region will improve if Moldova becomes part of the EU, and the Moldovans showed that they are ready for this, IPN reports, quoting the Government’s press service.

“The European integration of Moldova, which is a small country with a small population, will bring enhanced stability and security in southeastern Europe. Our citizens already benefit from a liberalized visa regime and do not abuse this benefit, as some expected. Also, the Moldovan migrants are respected in the countries where they work,” stated the Premier.

Iurie Leanca underlined that Moldova will continue to implement reforms so as to make progress in coming closer to the European Union. “There is no alternative for us. The progress on the path to the EU is the best way of development for Moldova. The obtaining of the status of candidate for accession to the EU means irreversibility in building democracy. I want to underline that for this the country’s neutrality status must not be modified,” stated the head of Government.

As to the tragic developments in Ukraine, Iurie Leanca said they show once again how fragile the security architecture in the region is.

The Premier underlined that Moldova is interested in developing relations with Russia, within a dialogue from equal positions. “Moldova, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Russia are subjects of international law. Russia, the EU and the U.S, and China have legitimate interests in Moldova. The only problem is how you pursue those interests. We want to develop an active dialogue with Russia, to increase trade. We are convinced that the European integration will transform Moldova into a more stable and predictable state, which is good for our relations not only with the East, but also with the West,” said the Prime Minister.