On 17 August 2021, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, during his official visit to Moldova, met with the President of the Parliament, Igor Grosu; the Chair of the Committee for Foreign Policy at the Parliament, Doina Gherman; the Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița; and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Nicu Popescu. The officials discussed the bilateral relations between Latvia and Moldova, assistance provided to Moldova as part of the development cooperation policy, the relations between the European Union and Moldova, preparations for the Eastern Partnership Summit scheduled for this December, and the security situation in the EU’s neighbourhood and Afghanistan.
Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed strong support from Latvia for the priorities set by the new government in the implementation of reforms. He underlined that the strong mandate given by voters enables the government to take decisive steps towards positive change in the country.
Referring to the relationship between the EU and Moldova, Edgars Rinkēvičs reaffirmed that Latvia supports Moldova’s efforts of closer integration and he underlined the importance of the implementation of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (AA/DCFTA) and ensuring the irreversibility of the reforms undertaken. The Minister confirmed that Latvia will continue providing Moldova with practical support in the implementation of reforms and sharing its experience of integration with the EU. It is essential that tangible results be achieved in the areas of good governance, the justice system and the anti-corruption reform, the Latvian Foreign Minister said.
The parties discussed preparations for the Eastern Partnership Summit in December. Edgars Rinkēvičs pointed out that Latvia stands up for the strengthening of the Eastern Partnership policy and building closer cooperation with Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia. The Minister pointed out that Latvia welcomes the Associated Trio initiative with a view to reinforcing cooperation in the matters of European integration and the Eastern Partnership.
The officials shared opinions on the bilateral relations of the two countries drawing attention to a positive growth trend in economic cooperation. Latvia has been providing support for Moldova as part of development cooperation since 2005. The countries are engaged in an active political dialogue regardless of restrictions imposed by COVID-19. The officials expressed unanimous support for promoting business contacts and called for using the experience of both countries to establish a favourable business environment. The Latvian Foreign Minister pointed out that there is potential for developing cooperation in the ICT sector, which is one of the fastest growing industries in Latvia. Matters of current importance for, and ways of parliamentary cooperation were also discussed. The Moldovan side thanked Latvia for its support – the donation of vaccines against COVID-19 this August.
The officials discussed cooperation on the strengthening of resilience to disinformation. Edgars Rinkēvičs underlined that Latvia is prepared to further share its experience and knowledge with Moldovan partners.
Development in Transnistria were also discussed during the meeting. The Minister expressed Latvia’s support for the resolution of the protracted conflict by means of a peaceful dialogue in the framework of the OSCE-led “5+2” format while respecting the internationally recognised borders of Moldova.
The visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia is the first official visit to the Republic of Moldova after its new government was confirmed on 6 August this year.