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On Tuesday, 20 May, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, met with Mihai Popșoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, to discuss Moldova’s path towards European integration and the challenges that may affect the Moldovan parliamentary elections scheduled for this autumn.

“The parliamentary elections in Moldova will be decisive,” said the Deputy Speaker of the Saeima. Referring to her report "Foreign interference – a threat to democratic security in Europe”, on which she served as rapporteur and which was approved by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe at its spring session, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica emphasized that Russia’s tactics of attempting to influence the political processes of other countries are evolving. These tactics are being tested in Moldova so that they can later be applied in other countries, said the Deputy Speaker of the Saeima.

Commenting on Moldova’s path to European Union (EU) membership, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica confirmed Latvia’s readiness to share its experience – both successes and challenges. The parties agreed on the good relations between our countries, both bilaterally and within international organizations. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova noted that Latvia and Moldova share a tragic past and expressed hope that we will soon share a future by Moldova becoming a full-fledged member of the EU.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also emphasized the important role of the EU in supporting Moldova’s energy diversification process and promoting social stability, especially over the last three years. Russia’s influence on Moldova’s energy sector has been significantly limited thanks to EU cooperation and support. EU support programmes aimed at developing and strengthening Moldova's economy are also of great importance.

The direct flight operated by AirBaltic between Riga and Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, was highlighted during the meeting as a good bridge for strengthening mutual ties and business contacts between the people of Latvia and Moldova.

Next week, the Deputy Speaker of the Saeima will go on a working visit to Moldova to participate in a routine fact-finding visit as one of two rapporteurs of the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and to meet with the President of Moldova, the Speaker of Parliament, the Prime Minister, officials and representatives of civil society. Following the visit, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe will prepare an opinion on the situation regarding democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Moldova.

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Saeima Press Service