Lithuanian PM says he believes in Moldova's European future

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, who is visiting Moldova on Friday, said he believes in the country's European future despite Russia's attempts to disrupt Chisinau's political course.

"Lithuania believes in Moldova's European future and will continue to provide the political, expert and technical assistance needed to implement reforms and build resilience," the government quoted Paluckas as saying in a press release.

"Despite Russia's interference and the broad spectrum of hybrid actions targeting Moldova, the country is making steady progress toward EU membership – a path chosen by its people," he said. 

According to Paluckas, the project of a peaceful, united and secure Europe cannot be fulfilled without the full-fledged EU membership of Moldova, Ukraine and the Western Balkan states.

He stressed the importance of these countries maintaining an ambitious reform pace, with a strong focus on quality and long-term sustainability.

In Chisinau, Paluckas met with Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean.

The meetings covered Moldova's progress toward EU integration, the security situation in the region and in Europe, Lithuania's support for strengthening Moldova's resilience and advancing its European agenda, bilateral cooperation and other current issues.

As part of efforts to help boost Moldova's security, Lithuania handed over 100 FPV drones to the country.

The officials also discussed "which forms of Lithuanian support are currently most relevant to ensuring Moldova's smooth and accelerated European integration," according to the press release.

"Lithuania remains committed to supporting the reform of Moldova's energy sector and the diversification of its energy sources," the government said.

Other topics included Lithuania's support for Moldova in countering Russian disinformation, as well as economic relations between the two countries and regional developments.