Athens, 6 November 2023

Inter-Parliamentary conference on Moldova's European Perspective

The 1st Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament and Chair of the European Affairs Committee Ioannis Plakiotakis, paid a two-day visit to Chisinau, Moldova, on November 3-4, to participate in the Inter-Parliamentary Meeting on the European perspective of Moldova.

In his intervention during the section on the European enlargement policy, Mr Plakiotakis stressed Greece’s firm support for Moldova’s European perspective. At the same time, given the country's geographical position on the European map and its proximity to war-torn Ukraine, due to Russia's unprovoked attack, he emphatically reiterated our country's support to Moldova’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognised borders.

In the section on the resilience of security, the Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament noted that in the face of ever-increasing global instability, occurring both within the European continent’s borders and in its immediate neighbourhood, the European Union is called upon to build security characterised by autonomy and resilience. He emphasized that although important steps have been achieved, the field of security does not allow for complacency or rest; on the contrary, it is a continuous effort, an ongoing struggle inside and outside the European Union, having as allies and partners every country, entity or person eager to share the same desire and act for the same purpose. Above all is of utmost importance that States respect international law and act in accordance with international conventions and treaties, as the only means for peaceful resolution of any disputes arising regarding relations of neighbouring countries sharing land or sea borders.

On the sidelines of the Meeting, Mr Plakiotakis held bilateral contacts with the President of the Parliament of Moldova Igor Grosu, as well as with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Vladimir Cuc.

Mr Plakiotakis underlined the importance attached to the strengthening of Greece-Moldova bilateral relations, which is further confirmed by the decision to open an Embassy of Greece in Chisinau in early 2024. He also referred to the prospects of further strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in the energy sector, with an emphasis on natural gas and renewable energies, and in the construction and tourism sectors. The direct air connection between Athens and Chisinau, inaugurated on Friday the 3rd of November and via which the Vice-President of the Parliament traveled to the Moldovan capital, is expected to facilitate this cooperation.

Closing, he reiterated Greece's strong support for Moldova’s European perspective, welcoming the significant progress achieved in a short period of time by the Moldovan government, regarding the nine conditions set by the European Commission.

During his meeting with President Grosu, Mr Plakiotakis made special reference to the Hellenic Parliament’s readiness to provide know-how and best practices to the Parliament of Moldova.

The Vice President of the Hellenic Parliament also met with members of the Greek community in Moldova.

 

 

 

 

 

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