Deputy Prime Minister visits Lithuania to strengthen support for Moldova's European path

Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov began a two-day official visit to the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, on Tuesday. The visit aims to deepen Moldovan-Lithuanian bilateral relations and strengthen political support from a strategic partner of the Republic of Moldova in the European integration process.


"Lithuania is an important strategic partner for the Republic of Moldova. A country from which we can learn how to build a strong state governed by the rule of law and well-integrated into the European Union," Chișinău official said.


According to Cristina Gherasimov, Moldovan authorities aim to strengthen the European dialogue with Lithuanian partners, who actively contribute to building a solid democracy in the Republic of Moldova.

During the visit, Gherasimov has scheduled meetings with several high-ranking officials of the Baltic state, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and representative in the EU General Affairs Council, Sigitas Mitkus, Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Committee for European Affairs, Rasa Budbergytė, Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Affairs, Remigijus Motuzas, and the President of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the Republic of Moldova, Kazys Starkevičius.

Additionally, the Deputy Prime Minister is set to participate in a discussion with representatives of Lithuanian civil society, focused on the European integration process of the Republic of Moldova and common democratic challenges.

The visit takes place in the context of closer cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Lithuania, an EU member state that strongly supports Chișinău's European aspirations. In recent years, diplomatic and institutional relations between the two countries have intensified, marked by frequent visits and high-level consultations.

In September 2024, Cristina Gherasimov met with former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis to discuss the priorities of the European agenda and the technical support provided by Lithuania. In January 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister discussed via phone with current Minister Kęstutis Budrys the impact of the energy crisis on the Republic of Moldova and strengthening Moldovan state resilience against external challenges.

Lithuania was also among the first countries actively supporting Moldova in its approach to the European Union, offering assistance in justice reforms, fighting corruption, and strengthening democratic institutions.

Over time, several Lithuanian officials have visited Chișinău, including prime ministers and foreign ministers, as well as Parliament members, who have consistently encouraged Moldovan authorities to implement key reforms for advancing the EU accession process.

Gherasimov's visit to Vilnius comes in the context of Chișinău's intensified diplomatic efforts to anchor the Republic of Moldova irreversibly in the European space, during a period marked by external challenges, disinformation, and hybrid pressures. By strengthening relations with key partners within the European Union, such as Lithuania, Moldovan authorities aim to accelerate the accession process and ensure the necessary political and technical support for the transition to a European governance model.