“The 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Moldova and the Baltic States will be celebrated next year. In the period, the Baltic States offered the Republic of Moldova consistent and unconditional political diplomatic, economic, cultural and educational support,” MP Doina Gherman, head of the Parliament’s commission on foreign policy and European integration, stated in a news conference held jointly in Chisinau with the chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Parliaments of the Baltic States.
The Baltic republics helped the Republic of Moldova to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meeting, the MPs discussed the implementation of the Moldova – EU Association Agreement, the signing of bilateral agreements on the mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and scientific titles between the Republic of Moldova, on the one side, and Latvia and Estonia, on the other side. With Lithuania, such an agreement was signed in 2013. In the near future, the bilateral agreement on social security with Latvia is to be ratified. The developments on the energy market of the region, the Baltic States’ experience in developing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects were also among the discussed subjects.
“It is extremely important to develop and intensify the relations of cooperation between our countries, including at parliamentary level. This will enable us to benefit from broader consultancy and we will be able to share the experience on subjects of common interest,” stated Doina Gherman.
The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Latvia Rihards Kols said that primarily since 2004, when his country became a member of the EU, Latvia has supported the Republic of Moldova as it considered that this is its duty. “Don’t be afraid of reforms. Embrace reforms as I can tell you that during the 15 years since we became an EU member, we need yet to do reforms, to improve the legislation and regulations so as to have good governance, the rule of law and to strengthen the people’s confidence in the state institutions,” said the Latvian MP.
The head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Lithuania Žygimantas Pavilionis said the Republic of Moldova was the second state in the world that recognized the independence of Lithuania, after Iceland, 31 years ago. “We thank you for this. We left the Soviet jail together and we, three Baltic States, completed things. We strengthened our independence in the European family and will help you do the same. It is important to achieve unity in your country. This is the key to success as enemies will do their utmost to divide you,” stated the Lithuanian MP.
“We discussed the 3+1 format, the Baltic States + Moldova, the establishment of a parliamentary assembly between the Baltic Countries and Moldova. Your President should take part in the democracy summit by all means as Moldova is an example. Democracy has been backsliding for several years and we need inspiring examples,” said Žygimantas Pavilionis.
The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Estonian Parliament Marko Mihkelson said that Moldova experiences interesting times and attracts a lot of international attention. “Moldova’s people made a clear choice to come out of isolation. Moldova is now at a very important crossroads. You are at the beginning of one of the biggest challenges – the energy crisis,” stated the Estonian MP.
The three officials of the Baltic States are in Moldova on a tree-day visit.
