Lithuania to further support Moldova's ascension on European integration way

Chisinau, 10 December /MOLDPRES/ - Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita had a meeting with Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Šimonytė, on an official visit to Chisinau, at the government today, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.   
PM Natalia Gavrilita thanked her counterpart for the constant support provided by the Lithuanian state to carry out the goals of Moldova’s European integration. The Moldovan prime minister welcomed the Lithuanian initiative on the creation of the Coalition in the Associated Trio format and of a strategic long-term alliance for backing Moldova’s European integration aspirations, which see the supporting of the reforms initiated nationally and accession of the three associated countries (Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine) to the European Union.     
Natalia Gavrilita expressed gratitude to Lithuania’s government for the continuous providing of assistance to Moldova in implementing the structural reforms nationally. ''On the period 2006-2020, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Lithuania financed the implementation of 144 projects in Moldova, with a budget of more than 1.1 million euros. This year, the Lithuanian cabinet approved five bilateral projects of assistance for development worth over 50,000 euros, in such sectors as good governance democracy and strengthening the civil society,’’ Natalia Gavrilita said.    
At the same time, the Moldovan cabinet thanked her Lithuanian counterpart for the assistance provided to combat the spread of the COVID-19 infection in Moldova, by the donation of a consignment of 26,500 doses of vaccine and medical equipment of protection worth 20,000 euros.
The officials appreciated the positive dynamic of the Moldovan-Lithuanian political dialogue and the sectoral cooperation. In the context, the sides stressed the importance of the agreement between the two countries on the mutual conversion and recognition of driver’s licences, signed in Vilnius on 7 October this year.   
At the event, the sides signed a memorandum of understanding between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Lithuania and the Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry of Moldova on strengthening the institutional capacities and good governance in Moldova.   
„The principal goal of my visit is to reiterate our support provided to Moldova and its government, which is on the way of the pro-European reforms, with a quite strong mandate on behalf of the citizens. Lithuania remains a strong supporter of Moldova’s aspirations to become member of the European family. We are ready to share from experience and to provide the assistance needed. As first step for the implementation of the memorandum signed today, we will allocate 350,000 euros to Moldova. You are among the first countries which recognized the independence of Lithuania. We needed much that support; we remember it and appreciate it very much,’’ the Lithuanian PM said.   
The prime ministers also discussed possibilities of diversifying the commercial and economic potential between the two states. In this respect, it is welcome the organization of a mission of business people in Chisinau, in order to analyze the investment opportunities in Moldova, in sectors of interest, such as: constructions, renewable energy, water supply and water’s treatment, tourism and the agro-food sector.   
Photo: Government