Lithuanian president pays official visit to Moldova

Chisinau, 22 April /MOLDPRES/- Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė today paid an official visit to Moldova, following an invitation by her Moldovan counterpart Nicolae Timofti, the presidential press service has reported.

An official ceremony on Moldovan President Nicolae Timofti receiving Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė took place at the state residence. The two heads of state had a face-to-face meeting and then they had official talks with participation of members of the two delegations.

Subsequently, Timofti handed the Order of the Republic to Lithuanian counterpart Dalia Grybauskaitė "as a token of deep gratitude for her special contribution to developing the Moldovan-Lithuanian relations and for constant support of efforts on Moldova's European integration."

The president said that the Moldovan-Lithuanian relationship was based on solidarity and trust. The head of state voiced confidence that, during the next years, the bilateral cooperation would have special development at political, economic and cultural levels.

"We were the first to recognize Lithuania's independence, and Lithuania was the second country, after Romania, which recognized our independence.

Lithuania hosted the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius, during which we initialed the Association Agreement. Lithuania was among the first countries to ratify this historical document, a decisive one for Moldova's further destiny.

We have been benefiting from projects on modernisation backed by Lithuania for more years, as well as from valuable experience of Lithuanian specialists in reforming Moldovan public institutions.

I told today to Mrs. president that, for our part, we are glad for any happy of any success of Lithuania. Its achievements in the period after joining the EU in 2004 represent an example worth being followed for us, and Moldova has no other way of development but the European one. We can confidently follow this path, having Lithuania's example.

The opportunities offered by the free trade regime in Europe, justice reforms and fighting corruption will help us advance on the European path.

"Moldova is willing to bring its contribution, so that stability, prosperity and good understanding between countries reign in the area from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea," Timofti said.

For her part, Dalia Grybauskaitė said that Lithuania would back Moldova in its European integration.

"You are a European nation. Citizens and politicians have to assume responsibility for the country's fate. You are to build the future you wish.

We are in solidarity with the people of Moldova, as we had to face similar difficulties. The political parties from Lithuania have earlier signed a national consensus agreement, which established the country's strategic priorities, which facilitated the way to become a member of EU and NATO. You can do the same.

It is important that you are united and set joint goals. This is the responsibility of the political parties, especially those from parliament. Yet, nobody will invite you to any organisation without having done the homework, and Moldova has a lot to do.

The EU has hugely contributed to my country's development. We are ready to share this experience. Lithuania will provide Moldova with the needed support for implementing reforms and to advance on the European integration path. Moldova's future is in the European Union," the official concluded.

In the afternoon, the Lithuanian delegation laid flowers at the monument to ruler Stefan cel Mare.

(Editor A. Raileanu)