During a joint press conference with Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, Maia Sandu mentioned the participation of Moldovan firefighters in international emergency operations, as well as the contribution of Moldovan servicemen to peacekeeping missions.
“We send firefighters when other Europeans need them….. Moldova in the EU is not an additional burden, but an additional potential,” Maia Sandu said.
The President stressed that Moldova continues the process of European integration through reforms in the justice sector, the fight against corruption and the harmonization of legislation with EU standards, despite the complex regional context and the war at the borders.
“And I want to say it clearly: Europe will be stronger and safer with Moldova as part of it. A stable and European Moldova cannot be destabilized and used as a pressure point against the continent. We have a 1,200 kilometer border with Ukraine. An EU-integrated Moldova strengthens Ukraine’s entire western flank and thus the security of the region. Enlargement is an important security investment that Europe can make now. I count on Latvia’s voice – in Brussels, in the European Council, in every room where this decision is being discussed – to support this approach,” Sandu said.
For his part, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said that Latvia and Moldova face similar challenges and threats, including border security, airspace violations, attempts to interfere in electoral processes, energy security and critical infrastructure protection.
He also praised Moldova’s consistent approach and progress in implementing reforms on the path to European integration, reiterating Latvia’s readiness to continue both political and practical support.
“There is no doubt that Moldova’s future is in the European Union. Latvia supports Moldova not only with words, but also with deeds. Almost every Latvian ministry and subordinate institutions share experience and provide support to Moldovan partners,” Edgars Rinkevics said.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu will pay an official visit to Latvia on Wednesday, April 1. The previously planned visit to Finland was postponed due to health problems of Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
