TALLINN - On Moldova's Independence Day, Estonian President Alar Karis, who arrived in Chișinău alongside Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, emphasized Estonia's strong support for Moldova's EU membership aspirations during a meeting with Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
"The visit of the presidents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania sends a message to Moldovans that from the Budjak steppes to the Baltic Sea, your voice matters. We want to see Moldova as part of the area of freedom and stability -- as a member of the European Union," Karis said.
“Moldovan people are at a crossroads, facing choices in less than two months at a referendum that echo our own journey to the EU 20 years ago. Back then, there was only one clear path to lasting peace and prosperity,” he said.
"Today, we know that joining the EU was not only the right but also the best choice for Estonia. In our EU-referendum, about 65 percent of our citizens voted in favor of joining; currently, over 80 percent support the EU, and over 90 percent of young people are in favor. The EU has delivered on its promises and more. Most importantly, it has given us the freedom to shape our own destiny and to dream big,” the president said.
Karis praised the Moldovan people for their unwavering support of Ukrainians, providing humanitarian aid and accepting refugees, despite inflation and economic difficulties.
"This solidarity reflects Moldova's kindness and deep commitment to regional stability and European democratic values," he emphasized.
The president said that Estonia stands firmly with Moldova on its path to EU membership, supporting continued efforts to strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and good governance, which are key prerequisites for EU membership.
"Use this remarkable turning point to align with the values that open the door to Europe," he said.
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