The Association Agreement between the EU and Moldova will be signed by the end of this summer, while the first results in its implementation will be analyzed at the next Eastern Premiership Summit that will be held in Riga in 2015. Such a conviction was stated by Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius, who held a joint news conference in Chisinau after a meeting with their Moldovan counterpart Natalia Gherman, IPN reports.

Deputy Prime Minister Natalia Gherman underlined that the visit of the two officials is an eloquent example of support for the country’s European course. The year 2014 is crucial for Moldova’s European course and the authorities aim to complete the association with the EU and to obtain a liberalized visa regime for Moldovans.

Linas Linkevičius said the EU is the most important partner of Moldova as over 50% of the country’s exports go to the European market.

Edgars Rinkēvičs said that Latvia is in favor of abolishing the visa requirements for Moldovans. At the Riga Summit, the Eastern Partnership is to be adjusted in favor of the states that make considerable effort to come closer to the EU.

The Latvian official added that the authorities of his country are considering the possibility of opening an embassy in Chisinau.