Parliament speakers of Nordic-Baltic States convey strong messages of support for Moldova

Chisinau, 31 May /MOLDPRES/ - The Parliament Speakers of the Nordic-Baltic States (NB8) have expressed their firm support for Moldova’s European integration and for the country’s territorial integrity. The strong messages of support were conveyed at a joint news conference, held today after the meeting of the Parliament Speakers from the NB8 states, the parliament’s communication and public relations department has reported.     
Speaker of the Lithuania’s Seimas (parliament) Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, said that Lithuania had permanently expressed support for Moldova’s accession to EU, for the reforms underway, voicing the sincere wish for Moldova to achieve the goals set. ‘’There is no doubt that Moldova needs and deserves the international support and I think this visit of ours will be as an impact for more countries to commit to back Moldova in diverse fields of mutual cooperation. The assistance should be wide and should cover economic, political, social aspects. The reforms underway will help Moldova near even more the objective of accession to the European Union, will be a crucial factor in the process of taking decisions on behalf of EU,’’ the Lithuanian Seimas’ speaker said.       
In his press statement, Speaker of Estonia’s Riigikog (parliament) Jüri Ratas voiced his strong support for Moldova and its people, as well as for the process underway of accession to the European Union. ‘’We back you on the European integration path and we want to share from our experience by this way and to see Moldova in more peaceful and more prosperous times. Russia’s aggression put a quite big pressure on Moldova and we admire your tenacity; you have received a large number of refugees and your attitude is wonderful,’’ the Estonian parliament speaker said.     
Finland’s Parliament Speaker Matti Vanhanen congratulated Moldova for the wish to reach the European Union, wishing us success on this way. ‘’This shows two things: that you see your place in the long run in EU and that you want to do all these reforms, to change and adjust your legislation. This is an important message for us everybody. It will not be easy, quite hard work will be needed, but which is necessary,’’ the Finnish parliament speaker said.  
Birgir Ármannsson, Parliament Speaker of Iceland, said that, although Iceland was not an EU member state, it supported the relations of Moldova’s rapprochement with the European family. ‘’We admire your efforts as nation, when you received refugees from Ukraine and we understand the difficult situation through which you go. Iceland appreciates your efforts to make this connection with the other European states,’’ the parliament speaker of Iceland stressed.     
Speaker of Saeima (parliament) of Latvia Ināra Mūrniece appreciated the fact that Moldova had chosen the way to the European family, noting that Latvia backed the European perspectives of Moldova and wanted to share with the country its experience of accession to EU. ‘’We show our support for the fight against corruption and edification of a democratic state. Also, we congratulate you on the fact that you have embarked on the road of the democratic reforms. Moldova has always been the first country in Latvia’s external development plan and together we want to support you on the way of accession to EU in the sectors of mass media, regional development. I wish Moldova very much success in its European aspirations, on its road to the European family,’’ the speaker of Latvia’s Saeima said.    
Speaker of Norway’s Storting (parliament) Masud Gharahkhani said that the visit by the parliament speakers of the Nordic-Baltic States meant the solidarity with Moldova. According to the speaker, Moldova’s ambition to become a part of the European community creates a hope for the future, for Moldova’s citizens, as well as for the European continent. ‘’I think that your ambition to reform the country, to create and stabilize the democratic institutions, to reform the justice system, to develop the economy, to get an energy independence, to focus on the climate changes – all these create hope for future. The application on accession to EU signifies many commitments of reforms; yet, it is worth undertaking this. The result will be quite good. Thank you that Moldova wants to reach EU and we believe that it is already part of the European Union through spirit,’’ the Norwegian parliament speaker said.      
Speaker of Sweden’s Riksdag (parliament) Andreas Norlén referred to the fact that the visit took place in crucial times for the European history. He noted that Sweden backed Moldova’s territorial integrity, a fact which had become more important following the Russian aggression in Ukraine. ‘’I want to thank you on behalf of Sweden’s government and the Moldovan parliament, as well as to the people for the hospitability to have received refugees. I know that a lot of Moldovan families opened their homes for Ukrainian refugees, having generosity and solidarity, which is an admirable thing. Moldova’s European ambition, the ambition to become a member of Europe’s democratic nations creates a hope for future for Moldova’s citizens and a hope even for our continent,’’ the Swedish parliament speaker emphasized.    
Deputy Parliament Speaker of Denmark Karen Ellemann expressed support for Moldova and for its citizens. ‘’You have chosen a democratic way, with strong European perspective. I respect this ambition very much. Denmark is ready to support the ambitious reforms established by Moldova’s government, including in the field of rule of law state and fighting corruption. With the signing of the Association Agreement with EU in 2014 and submission of the application on accession to EU in March 2022, you made a quite important step towards the achievement of the European aspirations. This fact is welcome, as Moldova belongs to the European family,’’ the Danish deputy parliament speaker noted.  
At the same time, the parliament speakers firmly condemned Russia’s unjustified aggression against Ukraine and expressed unconditional support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.   
The parliament speakers from those eight Nordic-Baltic States (NB8) pay a joint official visit to Moldova. The visit takes place at an initiative by Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu.   
Photo: Parliament