The Baltic States reaffirmed their strong support for the Republic of Moldova’s European integration. The statements were made during a joint press conference held by the Speakers of Parliament from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, who are paying an official visit to the Republic of Moldova on 2–4 February, at the invitation of the Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament, Igor Grosu, TRIBUNA reports.

According to the Speaker of Parliament, for Moldova, the Baltic States are not only partners but also a benchmark and an example of courage and consistency. “Whenever we speak about accession to the European Union, we naturally look to the Baltic States, because they know what it means to leave a grey zone of history, to break dependencies, to reform institutions, and to choose freedom with determination. Their experience shows that transformation is possible when there is political will and citizens’ trust,” Igor Grosu stated.

Lauri Hussar, President of the Riigikogu of Estonia, noted that the decision to open an embassy in Chișinău is a sign that Estonia takes Moldova’s EU integration process very seriously. “Everything you have already done for European integration is remarkable, and I encourage you to continue the reforms, because with seriousness treating this process can bring you closer to the goal of EU membership,” he said.

Daiga Mieriņa, President of the Saeima of Latvia, emphasized that Moldova’s European integration should advance as quickly as possible, and that Latvia is ready to intensify its support for the country.

Juozas Olekas, President of the Seimas of Lithuania, recalled that Moldova was the first state to recognize Lithuania’s independence in 1991. “Our colleagues from the Republic of Moldova have been our allies since the very beginning of Lithuania’s national liberation movement,” he noted.