Lithuania's Olekas, Moldovan leaders talk European integration, regional challenges

VILNIUS - Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas Juozas Olekas on Tuesday with Moldovan leaders in Chisinau to discuss the country's European integration, financial support, and regional challenges.

Olekas is visiting Moldova with his counterparts from Latvia and Estonia, according to a statement said.

In his speech to the Moldovan parliament, the speaker of the Seimas emphasized the historical ties between Lithuania and Moldova and Lithuania's support for Moldova's chosen European path.

"Moldova is close to Lithuania not only as a partner today, but also as a country that showed courage at a significant historical moment for our country – on May 31, 1990, the Supreme Council of Moldova was one of the first to recognize the restored independence of Lithuania. Moldova is an integral part of Europe – geographically, historically, culturally, and in terms of its values. Today, your chosen path of European integration opens up a historic moment that must be seized with determination and unity," Olekas said.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, Olekas congratulated Moldova on its positive assessment in the latest European Union enlargement progress report and noted that further progress in implementing reforms will be an important argument for greater European Union financial support for Moldova.

The priorities for 2026 and the assistance Moldova could receive from the three Baltic countries were also discussed.

Later on, Olekas and Moldovan President Maia Sandu talked about the solidarity and consistent political support of the Baltic states for Moldova in strengthening the country's democratic resilience and countermeasures against external interference, disinformation, and other hybrid threats.

They also discussed the security situation in the region and the need to continue to mobilize international support for Ukraine, whose struggle for freedom is essential for the stability of the entire region.

Among other things, President Sandu's visit to Lithuania was discussed as she is scheduled to visit Lithuania on March 10-11 and participate in the March 11 commemoration events at the Seimas.