Moldova reaffirms in Riga commitment to European integration and strengthening cooperation with Latvia

The utilization of Latvia's experience in areas such as education, the digitalization of public services, and attracting European funds were the main topics discussed today in Riga by Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov with Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže.

“We support Moldova in its choice, the choice of the authorities of the Republic of Moldova and the people to join the EU. Moldova is very determined to become an EU member and is practically prepared for this, including the conclusions of the European Council confirming that the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine are ready, and it is the obligation of the EU member states, of course, to make maximum efforts to ensure that there is not only political will to be an EU member, but also that you are prepared to be a good member, which is why for Latvia, this visit as well as practical cooperation is very important,” said Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže.

In Riga, the steps of the Republic of Moldova in the European integration and bilateral cooperation in support of this path were discussed.

“On our European path, we continue to learn from the lessons and experience of the states that have already gone through this process. I was pleased to discuss today with Baiba Braže about the progress on the European agenda, the reforms we are making at home, and our future priorities,” mentioned Gherasimov.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of using Latvia's experience in essential areas for the development of the Republic of Moldova.

“We exchanged opinions on how we can use Latvia's experience in education, digitalization of public services and attracting European funds, so that we can improve the daily lives of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova.”

Cristina Gherasimov also thanked Latvian authorities for the support in Moldova's European path.

“I thanked the Latvian authorities for all the assistance they offer us to advance on our path to the European Union, especially for promoting Moldova at the European level and active support in Brussels. Latvia remains a reliable partner and a friend we can count on in our path to the EU.”

Gherasimov is on a working visit to Riga, as part of the continuous dialogue with the member states of the European Union to support the advancement of Moldova's European path. During the visit, Cristina Gherasimov will have meetings with the Latvian representative in the General Affairs Council of the EU Council, Artjoms Ursulskis, as well as with the head of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, Ināra Mūrniece, and the head of the Parliamentary European Affairs Committee, Edmunds Cepurītis.