The presidents Gitanas Nausėda of Lithuania, Alar Karis of Estonia, and Edgars Rinkēvičs of Latvia today signed a joint statement in Chisinau reconfirming their support for Moldova’s accession to the European Union. The three Baltic leaders are visiting as Moldova celebrates its 33rd Independence Day.
The officials were welcomed in an official ceremony by Prime Minister Dorin Recean, who declared that the Baltic states are “a source of inspiration” for Moldova.
“In recent years, Moldova has evolved, learned and become stronger with every step. Independence means choosing our own destiny. The choices we make every day or every four years determine whether we will live in dignity, peace, freedom and mutual respect. On our journey to a better life, we are not alone. We have true friends with us, who show us by their own example that the future is in our hands. Today the friends of Moldova are here with us, the president of Estonia, Alar Karis, the president of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, and the president of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda. Their visit is a sign that we are a family, and families and friends visit each other at important times like today”, the Moldovan premier said in a joint press conference.
Dorin Recean went on to declared that Independence is not the only accomplishment celebrated today, but also the partnerships that Moldova has built with Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. “The Baltic countries are a source of inspiration for us. Like us, they fought for freedom and for a European future, and this year they celebrate 20 years in the European Union. A journey they made with determination and courage”, the prime minister added.
President Gitanas Nausėda stated that he is in Chisinau today to reiterate Lithuania’s support for the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the EU. According to him, the Republic of Moldova is a European nation and has its rightful place in the heart of the European family. “The launch of European Union accession negotiations for the Republic of Moldova is an important achievement and recognition of the government’s success in implementing the necessary reforms. Now, the power is in your hands to move forward on the EU integration path and keep the commitment, and Lithuania stands by you to support you in the long term”, the Lithuanian president said.
President Alar Karis stated that several current challenges were discussed today, as well as future perspectives. “The Republic of Moldova is at a crossroads - a well-known situation on our way to the EU. We had voices pushing in both directions, but in the end only one direction was the clear path to lasting peace and prosperity. Today we know that becoming a member of the European Union was not only the right choice, it was the best way. During our referendum, around 65% voted in favor of joining the EU. Today, support for the EU is over 80%. Among young people, this support is over 90%. The EU has fulfilled all its promises, but more importantly, it has brought the freedom to choose our destiny”, noted the Estonian president.
President Edgars Rinkēvičs: “This year, all three Baltic countries are celebrating their 20th anniversary of joining the EU. We have gone through many procedures, through many periods of optimism, sometimes even more difficult situations in the accession process, but your vote in the October referendum is only the beginning of this path. You can count on the fact that along the way there will be friends who will support you, help you, send their assistance”.
After the press conference, the presidents of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia laid flowers at the monument of ruler Stephen the Great. In the evening, the three Baltic leaders will speak in the Great National Assembly Square to convey congratulations to the citizens of Moldova.
