Swedish diplomacy head says Moldova's advancement on way to EU depends on reforms implemented

Chisinau, 27 April /MOLDPRES/ - Sweden supports Moldova’s advancement on the way of accession to EU; yet, the process stays based on merits and its success depends on the reforms implemented by Moldova.  Foreign Affairs Minister of Sweden Tobias Billstrom today made statements to this effect, in the context of hosting by Moldova of a visit by the foreign affairs ministers of the NB8 format: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.      

„Moldova belongs to the European family. In our capacity of EU chairperson-on-office, we try to back Moldova’s advancement on the way of accession to EU as much as possible; yet, the process remains based on merits. This means that the success of the process depends on your reforms. In these uncertain times, we have substantially extended the measures of support, so that Moldova is able to cope with the challenges. Sweden is proud of the fact that it is one of the biggest bilateral donors for Moldova and will support the country in the achievement of the long-lasting goals,’’ the Swedish diplomacy head said.      

Foreign Affairs Minister of Denmark Lars Rasmussen said that it was more important than ever to back and consolidate Moldova. ‘’Our presence in Chisinau conveys a strong signal of solidarity. We ruled to allocate specific resources to Moldova. We had concrete discussions and we will continue them, so that to decide how can we extend our cooperation and to provide Moldova with assistance to strengthen its capacities,’’ the Danish official noted.    

Foreign Affairs Minister of Iceland Thórdís Kolbrún Gylfadóttir said that her country backed Moldova on the European integration way. ‘’I noticed the present Moldovan leaders as quite determined in ensuring the peace and stability in the country. Iceland will continue supporting Moldova and I see many opportunities in our bilateral relations,’’ the official said.   

Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt said Moldova had faced more crises concomitantly. ‘’A small country became an example to be followed by the rest of the world. Moldova goes through a difficult security situation. We are ready to support Moldova develop its economy and become stronger,’’ the Norwegian minister stressed.   

Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Security Policy at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Finland Kai Sauer said his country welcomed the giving of the status of candidate of accession to Moldova and backed the country’s European integration. ’’The capacity of member is based on merits and we are ready to support Chisinau in the carrying out of the reforms necessary,’’ the official added.    

The Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry on 27-28 April hosts a visit by the foreign affairs ministers from the NB8 format: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.