Poland's Foreign Ministry says it notes with “deep satisfaction” the Moldovan parliament's vote of approval for a new 'Pro-European government' in the ex-Soviet state.

The new Prime Minister of Moldova, Iurie Leanca (R) speaks in Moldova's Parliament in the Republican Palace in Chisinau, Moldova, 30 May: photo - EPA/DUMITRU DORU

“We hope that in the context of the upcoming 3rd Eastern Partnership Summit, which will be held in Vilnius this November, the stabilization of the country’s political situation will help complete an important stage in bringing Moldova closer to the European Union,” a statement by the Foreign Ministry says.

The vote in the Moldovan parliament on Thursday approved former foreign minister Iurie Leanca as head of the government, which he said, “will do everything we can […] for our European orientation to become irreversible."

The previous 'Alliance for European Integration' led by Vlad Filat collapsed after it lost a no confidence vote on March 5.

The vote in parliament averted a snap general election, which could have seen gains by opposition communists.

The small state of Moldova, with a population of just 3.6 million, is one of Europe's poorest countries and is intent on signing an associate agreement with the EU in November.

Poland, along with Sweden, has led the EU 'Eastern Partnership' initiative, which seeks to bring former Soviet states closer to western structures. (pg)