Moldova must initial the Association Agreement with the EU at the Vilnius Summit of this November so as to finish all the procedures that will lead to its signing in the first half of next year, said the foreign affairs ministers of the Benelux countries who came to Chisinau on a visit, IPN reports.
In a press briefing held in concert with the three officials, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova Natalia Gherman said that such a visit of the ministers of Benelux is a premiere for Moldova. The discussions centred on the actions that must be taken by the Vilnius Summit and after it.
Foreign Minister of Luxemburg Jean Asselborn said it is for the first time that the ministers of Benelux decided to visit two states concomitantly as after Moldova they will visit Georgia. The visit’s goal is not to interfere in Moldova’s internal affairs, but to show their support.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium Didier Reynders said that Moldova made its choice and will be supported on the path to European integration. The country is yet to take steps to ensure the rule of law and to combat corruption, but it will be supported by the European partners.
Dutch Foreign Minster Frans Timmermans underlined that they speak a lot about the Association Agreement, including the Free Trade Area Agreement and the Visa Liberalization Agreement, but these are only instruments by which the living conditions are improved. Every country chooses its way, while his dream is for all the Eurasian countries to understand that being friend with a country does not mean being non-friend with another country.
Prime Minister Iurie Leanca had a meeting with the three ministers. He said that this very important visit takes place in a crucial moment for Moldova and is a good occasion for reviewing the objectives and the measures that must be taken. Over four years, Moldova didn’t change its options and will not give up following the path to the EU, while Moldova’s choices do not run counter to the interests of the Eastern partners.
