Lithuania remains a loyal partner of the Republic of Moldova, which hopes for an enhanced collaboration, including at the level of friendship groups and parliamentary committees. This was stated by MP Ion Babici, head of the Moldova-Lithuania Friendship Group, after meeting with Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, the Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas. “We count on your support in the process of integration into the European Union”, said Ion Babici.

During the meeting, the lawmaker thanked the Lithuanian state for its constant support to Moldova, emphasizing the country’s openness in intensifying interparliamentary cooperation.

At Parliament, the Lithuanian speaker also had a meeting with her Moldovan counterpart, Igor Grosu, who said that the legislature has an ambitious agenda, and its “priority zero” is the reform of the judiciary and the fight against corruption. The current energy and pandemic crises have demonstrated the importance of functioning institutions. Another topic addressed was the energy crisis. “We agreed that the Lithuanian side would help us with expertise,” said Igor Grosu. The two sides also agreed to step up cooperation to combat misinformation.

Officials also exchanged views on the complex situation in the region. Igor Grosu said that the authorities in Chisinau are closely watching the situation in the region and that the integrity of a country must be respected. At the same time, they agreed to boost cooperation in construction, renewable energy, infrastructure and agriculture.

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen discussed with Moldovan President Maia Sandu about the security developments in the region and the challenges that the Republic of Moldova has to face this year, the most important being the energy crisis. Officials also spoke about Lithuania’s experience in strengthening energy independence, with one solution being the development of green and renewable energy.

The Moldovan president expressed interest in expanding economic cooperation and attracting Lithuanian investment into the Moldovan economy. The president wants to step up security cooperation, to combat misinformation and fake news, which are a threat to today’s democracies.

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen was on an official visit to Moldova on the invitation of Speaker Igor Grosu, on January 24-25.