The Republic of Moldova is a priority for Lithuania in the context of the European integration, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius said in the fifth meeting of the joint commission for cooperation in the area of European integration, IPN reports.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman said that Moldova approves of the fact that Lithuania keeps Moldova among the top seven states benefiting from Lithuanian foreign assistance.

The pace of cooperation between Moldova and Lithuania is dynamic and very efficient. The creation of the joint commission for cooperation in 2010 is a conclusive proof of the intensity of cooperation and of Lithuania’s commitment to help Moldova in the European integration process, added Natalia Gherman.

This year it is 10 years since Lithuania became an EU member. “It is very important to exchange experience with experts from Moldova. The most important fact in the European integration process is the result of the very great efforts made and Moldova is a champion in this area. Go fast and smoothly,” stated Linas Linkevičius.

He noted that Moldova is at the start of the process of implementing the agreement and has yet a lot of work to do. “But you should know that you have friends. We are here to remind you that we have many tasks in our relationship. We are the same team. I hope that all the efforts we made will not be in vain and you will successfully implement the accord. This will show the irreversibility of the done reforms,” stated Linas Linkevičius.

This is the first meeting of the commission held on the occasion of the coming into force of the Association Agreement with the EU on a temporary basis on September 1.