Moldova, Lithuanian PMs discuss Moldova's European integration, deepening of bilateral cooperation

Chisinau, 25 November /MOLDPRES/ - Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita has received Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Šimonytė on visit. The Moldovan PM and her Lithuanian counterpart discussed more topical subjects face-to-face and then in enlarged format. Afterwards, the officials gave a joint news conference, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.  
At the meeting, emphasis was put on the situation in the energy sector and the security one in the region, as well as on the pressing need to find the optimal solutions, in order to cope with the current crises.   
„We exchanged opinions on the war in Ukraine and how the Russian bombardments directly hit the citizens of Moldova too. We analyzed the situation in the energy sector and repeatedly noted that Moldova must identify as many alternative sources of natural gas as possible. Or, Lithuania has a terminal of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and we want to be able to benefit from the support of the Lithuanian side, in order to be able to carry liquefied gas,’’ Natalia Gavrilita said.   
The officials of the two states discussed the association committee, due in February 2023, as the well the process of assessing the fulfillment of the commitments taken by Moldova for starting the negotiations on accession to the European Union.  
In this respect, PM Gavrilita said: “Despite all difficulties, we are quite focused on the fulfillment of those 9 conditions. The evaluation will start in next March and will end with the report due in October 2023. We count on Lithuania’s support in starting the negotiations as soon as possible after the conditions are fulfilled. We want the rapprochement with the European Union to bring direct benefits to Moldova’s citizens as quickly as possible.’’  
For her part, Ingrida Šimonytė reconfirmed that Lithuania backed Moldova in its European integration approach, as well as in combating the crises it faces.   
„This year, Moldova proved unprecedented solidarity with refugees from Ukraine. I am happy that our countries have a relation of close friendship. I assure you of Lithuania’s every support in the process of European integration, on which you firmly committed. We know how complicated the reforms’ implementation is; therefore, we put at your disposal our experience and all support needed. We are sure that Moldova have all chances to become member of the European family in a short time,’’ Ingrida Šimonytė said.     
The sides emphasized the excellent level of the bilateral component and the consolidated friendship relation existing between Moldova and Lithuania.   
Photo: Government