Good governance lies in e-governance and rule of law

{Info-Prim Neo interview with Mati Murd, Deputy Head of Mission and Charge d'Affaires a.i. of the Estonian Embassy in Ukraine, which is also responsible for diplomatic cooperation with Moldova, from the series “For Twenty-One Years Independent: We the Former Soviet States. ORIGINALLY published on 6 August 2012 } [ - When independence was proclaimed, did your country have the same starting line as Moldova on the track towards modernization, development and renewal? How close or far away are we now from each other? ] - We had similar starting line with a different historical background. Today we are close – Estonia has made the European integration a reality, Moldova is on a good course into that reality. The gap is closing – this is the choice Moldova ’s people have made. [ - What did your country do right and what went wrong on this path of independent development, perhaps compared to Moldova ? ] - Right from the start Estonia set its foot on the reform track (robust but transparent privatization, monetary reform, introduction of the sound fiscal policy and structural adjustments in all sectors) of establishing and securing ourselves as independent, democratic and advancing country. Despite different political programs the parties had, it became a common agreement that only joining the EU and NATO could guarantee development and therefore, this became our most important goal. [ - After proclaiming independence, did you country find itself facing a choice between different geopolitical orientations, in particular East or West, like the one faced by Moldova? What were the reasons behind your choice? ] - The choice was there, as well as the clear answer. Even before Estonia re-established its independence in 1991 the choice had been made – it was reintegration with Europe that was interrupted for 50 years.. [ - What does your country think of the choice made by Moldova to opt for European integration?] - Estonia is strongly supporting Moldova on the path of European integration and its EU aspiration. Based on our experience we are also encouraging Moldova to continue its reform process and maintain the path towards greater integration with the EU. We are very pleased to witness that Moldova is taking this European course seriously, including the Roadmap provided by the Eastern Partnership program. [ - What notion would best define the relationship between our countries at this stage? For example, when speaking about relationships with other countries in different contexts, Moldovan politicians frequently use such notions as strategic partnership, close relationship, pragmatic relationship etc. ] - The relationship between Estonia and Moldova is in an excellent state. It has become more active and dynamic in recent years both on the state and local level. We witness more regional co-operation; the network of interpersonal contacts is expanding. Moldova is one of the priority countries of Estonia ’s development co-operation. And, of course, expansion of the EU-Moldova cooperation also means strengthening of the relations between Estonia and Moldova . We can say that our relationship is mutually reinforcing and one way to describe it is by looking at it through the lenses of e-governance. Estonia has been a keen supporter of Moldova in this domain because we believe that the present-day good governance lies in e-governance and the rule of law. [Mariana Galben, Info-Prim Neo] {Info-Prim Neo note: The series “For Twenty-One Years Independent: We the Former Soviet States” includes interviews with representatives of former Soviet countries. It primarily aims to assess the progress made by our country since Independence, in particular against the experience of other countries which had approximately the same starting line, as well as to discuss the relations between our countries and peoples over these years.}