Baltic States – CIS, Economics, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Legislation, Lithuania

Nicolae Timofti and Dalia Grybauskaite. Chisinau, 22.04.2015. Photo: lrp.lt

"Moldova, just like Ukraine, is under external political and economic pressures today. Therefore, it needs wide-ranging support in maintaining its European choice and territorial integrity, dealing with the frozen conflict in Transnistria, and implementing European reforms in the country. Concerted efforts by all Moldovan political forces are needed to carry through substantial reforms and ensure the well-being of the people," Grybauskaite said.

According to President Grybauskaite, the greatest focus should be placed on the judicial reform, anti-corruption and anti-oligarch policy, the transparency of banks, energy sector and media, and the protection of human rights.

Major steps towards Moldova's European integration have already been made by signing the Association Agreement and introducing a visa free regime. Now the political will and efforts by all political forces and society are needed to implement the reforms.

The Lithuanian head of state underlined that Lithuania also had walked an uneasy path of reforms and can now contribute to the development of Moldova with its expert knowledge. Various field-experts from Lithuania are already helping Moldova to transform its judiciary, state service, customs and civil society sectors.

The bilateral cooperation between the two countries has a huge potential, which should be fully exploited. Vast opportunities for our collaboration lie in the sphere of information technologies, food industry, transport and logistics. It is important to further strengthen our business ties. Last year, the trade turnover between Lithuania and Moldova amounted to EUR 41.5 million.