By Burc Eruygur
ISTANBUL (AA) - Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Monday held talks with the Benelux countries' top officials who arrived on an official visit to Chisinau.
The meeting was attended by Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, and Dutch Vice Minister for European Cooperation Heleen Bakker, a statement by Moldova's presidency said.
“The officials reaffirmed their firm support for the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union and underlined their commitment to supporting reforms, modernizing the economy and strengthening democratic institutions in our country,” the statement said.
The talks between Sandu and the top Benelux officials also aimed at “protecting electoral processes from external interference,” it added.
For her part, Sandu was quoted as saying that she appreciated the constant support of the Benelux states, also reiterating her country’s determination to build a “secure, peaceful and European future, which will bring well-being to all citizens.”
The visit of the top officials was announced by Moldova’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday.
Prior to their meeting with Sandu, the three Benelux officials also met with Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi, during which the latter highlighted the joint presence of the Benelux officials as proof of solidarity and support for Chisinau’s European path.
“The Republic of Moldova is going through a decisive stage for its future, and the support of Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands encourages us to continue reforms and build a democratic and prosperous society,” Popsoi was quoted as saying by a Foreign Ministry statement during a joint press conference after the meeting.
For their part, the Benelux officials reiterated their support for Moldova’s EU integration, with Prevot quoted as saying that Belgium also supports Chisinau’s effort to “combat any external interference that could affect democratic stability.”
Sandu’s ruling Party of Action and Solidarity, which holds a majority in Moldova's parliament, is expected to face a unified opposition bloc formed by four parties in a Sept. 28 parliamentary vote.
Late last month, Sandu accused Russia of planning to interfere in the parliamentary election in a bid to gain political control, which Moscow has denied.