Moldova can count on Poland's support says PM

Prime Minister of Moldova Iurie Leanca (L) and Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk (R) in Warsaw on Monday. Photo: PAP/Pawel Supernak

Tusk's declaration comes just two months before Moldova is due to sign an EU association agreement (by which non-EU members gain privileges in economic, political and cultural spheres) in Vilnius, Lithuania.

“Moldova can count on Polish support, and in terms of the signing of documents in Vilnius, these documents will be another very important step towards the integration of Moldova into the European Union,” he said at a joint press conference with Moldovan prime minister Iurie Leanca.

Moldova, together with Armenia and Georgia, is due to sign the agreement during November's summit of the Eastern Partnership, an EU initiative aimed towards the post-Soviet states between EU's eastern border and the Russian Federation, as well as Azerbaijan.

“We very much appreciate Poland's support and understanding concerning our path to Europe and the EU,” Leanca said.

“This is very important as it can lead to the development of economic cooperation. We know that we can count on Polish support and friendship.”

Meanwhile, Tusk also expressed Poland's commitment towards the abolition of visas for Moldovan citizens travelling to Poland.

Moldova is one of Europe's poorest countries, and Russia has threatened to raise the price of gas exported to Moldova if the latter signs an association agreement. However, Moldova affirmed last week that it would not be deterred by Russia's threats. (nh)

Source: PAP