Foreign Affairs Minister Iurie Leanca and his Latvian countertop Girts Valdis Kristovskis on April 28 signed a memorandum of understanding whereby Latvia pledges to support Moldova in its European integration efforts, Info-Prim Neo reports. Iurie Leanca said that this memorandum creates an additional framework that is needed to employ Latvia’s positive experience in European integration. “We count on the support of Latvia, which is a distinct and influential voice within the European Union,” said Iurie Leanca. Girts Valdis Kristovskis stressed that the Moldovan authorities made progress in coming closer to the EU, especially within the Eastern Partnership. “As a member of the Latvian Government and politician who witnessed the accession to the EU and NATO, I can say that the Moldovan authorities are faced with a difficult task, but you have competent officials and Latvia will help you deal with the problems. I’m confident that your country will overcome all the difficulties and will become an important part of the EU,” said Girts Valdis Kristovskis. In the context of the talks on the Association Agreement between Moldova and the EU, the two officials discussed the measures aimed at liberalizing the visa regime, the prospects of opening negotiations on the creation of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area and of joining the European Common Aviation Area, the industrial and technical-scientific cooperation, the cooperation in justice and in local public administration. They also reiterated that the official Transnistrian conflict settlement talks in the 5+2 format should be resumed. Girts Valdis Kristovskis had been in Chisinau on a visit on April 27 and 28. He had bilateral meetings with Head of Parliament and Acting President of Moldova Marian Lupu, Prime Minister Vlad Filat, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Eugen Carpov.