Lithuania’s independence first recognized by Moldova
Lithuania was the first ex-Soviet republic to declare its independence from the Soviet Union on March 11, 1990. At that time, Moldova was not yet an independent state, but it was among the leading republics advocating for greater autonomy from the central authority in Moscow. This process is known as devolution.
In the spring of 1990, the Moldovan SSR was already functioning as an independent state. A notable event occurred on May 31, 1990, when the Supreme Soviet of the MSSR, under the leadership of its president, Mircea Snegur, adopted a decision recognising the independence of Lithuania. This made Moldova the first country to do so.
According to the National Archives Agency, this decision was courageous for its time and is a point of pride for the nation.
The first independent country to recognize Lithuania’s independence was Iceland, which did so on February 11, 1991.
Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Lithuania were established in July 1992.
