On 7 April, President of Latvia Egils Levits made a working visit to Moldova to meet with country’s head, President of Moldova Maia Sandu. Meeting between the presidents of Latvia and Moldova focused on current geopolitical and security situation, deepening of bilateral cooperation and reforms conducted by Moldova in scope of European integration process. President of Latvia was accompanied by Minister for Interior Marija Golubeva and Commander of Border Force General Guntis Pujāts who met with their respective counterparts from Moldovan Interior Ministry and Border Force.
Following the meeting, President of Latvia pointed out that it is nice to be in Moldova despite the difficult geopolitical context, and it is vital to continue bilateral dialogue between Latvia and Moldova, as well as deepen European Union-Moldova cooperation.
As regards to Moldova’s European integration efforts, according to President Levits, Latvia fully supports Moldova’s decision to apply for EU membership. Latvia will continue to support Modova’s European integration efforts by offering its reform experience, stressed Egils Levits. ‘Latvia fully supports Moldova’s decision to apply for EU membership. It is now up to EU Commission to deliver its opinion as soon as possible. We see Moldova as part of Europe. Moldova will remain one OF our development cooperation priorities. We are working together to support Moldova’s European integration efforts, especially in areas like governance, media, regional development,’ President Levits said.
On the regional security, President of Latvia said that courageous Ukrainians are currently not only fighting to free their land from Russian invaders, but they are also fighting for shared European values and security of the whole Europe. ‘Like-minded countries must stick together at times like these because our common values are under threat,’ Egils Levits underlined.
President praised Moldova for its fast response. Moldova has already taken in Ukrainian refugees and is providing basic help to them. Egils Levits also mentioned that Latvia is ready to relocate up to 500 Ukrainian refugees from Moldova and 30 of them will travel to Latvia today. Latvia has also committed 110,000 euros to UNICEF Regional Refugee Response Plan for Moldova and will later transfer additional 80,000 euros in additional support.
Humanitarian aid from Latvia, mostly consisting of food and hygiene items, was also delivered to Ukrainian Refugee Centre during President’s working visit to Chisinau.
President of Latvia also promised to help Moldova fight Covid pandemic. Latvia will send the country 80,000 units of vaccine against Covid-19 soon.
