Foreign Minister of Latvia meets with Ambassador of Moldova

On 3 February the Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs met with the Ambassador of Moldova Alexei Cracan, who had arrived on an introductory visit. The parties discussed current bilateral relations, the relations between European Union and Moldova, as well as the Transnistrian issue.

The minister and the ambassador positively rated the Latvian-Moldovan cooperation to date and expressed a mutual wish of both countries to enhance bilateral relations, with a special focus on promoting political dialogue and economic cooperation. The ambassador welcomed the decision to send a Latvian diplomat on permanent posting to Chisinau in the nearest future, which will be a basis for a closer cooperation between the countries.

Foreign Minister Rinkēvičs reiterated Latvia’s support for the eurointegration process of Moldova. The minister commended the progress of Moldova in the talks with the European Union on the political section of the Association Agreement and expressed support for the negotiations launched this year on setting up a deep and comprehensive free trade area with the European Union. Minister Rinkēvičs urged Moldova to actively put in place the required reforms within the EU-Moldovan visa dialogue. 

The minister confirmed Latvia’s support for achieving a peaceful and sustainable political settlement of the Transnistrian conflict.

H.E. Ambassador Cracan has been accredited in Latvia since 26 October 2010. Prior to arrival in Latvia, Mr Cracan was Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova.