Ways EU can support citizens, counter Russian interference discussed in Brussels

Chisinau, Nov 18 /MOLDPRES/- Ways the European Union can support Moldovan citizens and counter Russian interference were discussed in Brussels at an informal meeting of foreign ministers of the European Union member states dedicated to Moldova.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi attended the meeting at the invitation of his Romanian and Lithuanian counterparts. Popșoi presented "the significant challenges that our country faced during the presidential elections and detailed the vision on combating the malign influence exerted by Russian-backed criminal groups, which aim to divert the Republic of Moldova from the European path".

In this context, the official emphasized the importance of EU support for strengthening the resilience of state institutions, pursuing the reform agenda, fighting corruption and ensuring sustainable economic growth for the benefit of citizens.

He also underlined the importance of advancing the EU accession process to finalizing the screening and launching the non-military negotiations, the first of which is Cluster I, Fundamental Values.

"The political and financial support of the European Union is significant to maintain the European path of the Republic of Moldova and to increase the well-being of the people. At the same time, we are grateful for the bilateral support provided by the EU member states, which reconfirms once again that our country has reliable friends on whom it can always rely," said Popșoi.

The foreign ministers congratulated the Republic of Moldova on the progress achieved and appreciated the government's efforts to preserve stability and contribute to sustainable economic growth. They also reconfirmed the strong support of the European Union and its member countries for our country's accession to the big European family.

Popșoi is today on a working visit to Brussels to participate in a meeting with the foreign ministers of the EU member states on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council.