BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. On August 4, during
her visit to Riga, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže powerfully
reaffirmed Latvia’s steadfast commitment to supporting Moldova’s
journey toward European Union integration, Trend reports.
She welcomed Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister for European
Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, and praised the country’s
continued progress on key reforms.
Minister Braže and Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov discussed
regional security, Moldova’s ongoing reform process, and next steps
to strengthen energy independence and resilience, especially in the
field of renewable energy.
They also addressed the political situation in Moldova ahead of
the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for September
28.
The officials emphasized the importance of safeguarding
Moldova’s democratic processes in light of ongoing hybrid threats,
including disinformation, covert political interference,
cyberattacks, and other destabilizing activities.
“We agree that the upcoming elections could be decisive for
Moldova’s path toward the EU. During this critical period, it is
essential to counter any form of foreign interference, particularly
by enhancing the security of Moldova’s electoral infrastructure and
strengthening strategic communications,” said Minister Braže.
Braže also underlined Moldova’s significant achievements in the
EU enlargement process, calling it a “model for other candidate
countries,” and reiterated Latvia’s continued support for opening
all chapters of EU accession negotiations with Moldova before the
end of this year.
Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov expressed appreciation for the
EU’s decision to impose sanctions on individuals involved in
actions aimed at destabilizing Moldova.
Latvia, together with other Baltic and Nordic countries, has
played a key role in supporting Moldova’s reform efforts,
bolstering democratic institutions, enhancing energy security, and
providing humanitarian assistance.
Over the past three years, Latvia has contributed €150,000
toward Moldova’s energy security and deployed a national expert to
the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova. Latvian ICT companies are
also exploring opportunities to help build Moldova’s critical
infrastructure.
During her visit, Gheerasimov also met with parliament secretary of the Ministry of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Artjoms Artjoms Uršuļskis, Chair of the Saema Foreign Affairs Committee Ināra Mūrniece, Chair of the European Affairs Committee Edmunds Cepurītis, and other committee members.
She also visited the Riga Graduate School of Law, where 73
Moldovan students have so far completed the school’s intensive
program in European law and economics.