The chairmen of the foreign affairs committees of the parliaments of the Baltic and Nordic states met on Monday in Chisinau. The discussions focused on the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in the current geopolitical context. The parties stressed the need for close coordination among partner states to face common security challenges and promote democratic values, IPN reports.
At a press conference, the chair of the Foreign Policy Committee of the Norwegian Parliament Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide said that this meeting in Chisinau shows support and solidarity for the Republic of Moldova.
"We know that you are now at a critical point, the parliamentary elections are approaching, and you currently have accession negotiations. That is why we wanted to discuss important topics, such as the interference of the Russian Federation in internal processes, energy independence," said the Norwegian parliamentarian.
The official also stressed the need for a just peace for Ukraine.
"A just peace in Ukraine is also in the EU's interest, a peace on Putin's terms would put Europe's security architecture in great danger," Marie Eriksen Søreide also pointed out.
"As always, the European partners stand by us. Starting with 2025, the Republic of Moldova has bought electricity from the European market and this will allow us to continue our European path and no longer be blackmailed by Russia," said Ina Coșeru, chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Policy and European Integration of Moldova’s Parliament.
The meeting involved high-ranking parliamentary leaders from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
"The NB8 states are an example of development, transformation and modernization towards which we are also striving. Together with them, under the EU umbrella, the Republic of Moldova is stronger," said Deputy Speaker of Parliament Doina German.
The officials will also meet with the President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu. The program of the visit also includes discussions with civil society. On Tuesday, the European officials will go to ATU Gagauzia, where they will meet with representatives of the local public authorities.
NB8 (North-Baltic 8) is a regional cooperation format that brings together eight states. The area of competence of the forum includes current regional and international issues.
