14 May 2026, Chișinău – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi hosted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis, and the OSCE Secretary General, Feridun Sinirlioğlu, who are on an official visit to the Republic of Moldova.
During the meeting, discussions focused on the Republic of Moldova’s cooperation with the OSCE, regional security developments and their impact on our country, as well as the Transnistrian conflict settlement process.
Mihai Popșoi underlined that the visit of the OSCE leadership to Chișinău enabled progress on the shared agenda and the setting of cooperation priorities during Switzerland’s Chairpersonship of the organisation. He also highlighted the OSCE’s role in promoting dialogue and supporting durable solutions to conflicts in the region. The Minister noted that the organisation’s expertise and mechanisms can contribute significantly to a future ceasefire or peace plan for Ukraine.
The Deputy Prime Minister appreciated the work of the OSCE Mission to Moldova and reaffirmed the authorities’ commitment to the peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognised borders.
The head of Moldovan diplomacy stated that the key objectives are to maintain stability and create the conditions necessary for reintegration, including by gradually reducing fiscal and legislative differences between the two banks of the Nistru River by 2030.
“Our priorities focus on maintaining dialogue, strengthening society’s resilience, and deepening economic integration through the gradual and uniform application of fiscal, customs, trade and regulatory standards throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Moldova. Reintegration must be based on common rules and advance in parallel with the country’s European integration. Progress on our European path will also positively influence the reintegration of the Republic of Moldova,” said Mihai Popșoi.
The Minister also drew attention to the illegal stationing and risks posed by the Russian military presence and ammunition stockpiles on the territory of the Republic of Moldova: “Undoubtedly, their unconditional withdrawal, in line with the international commitments undertaken by the Russian Federation, will bring positive momentum to the country’s reintegration process.”
For his part, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ignazio Cassis reiterated the organisation’s support for identifying a peaceful and lasting solution to the Transnistrian conflict: “Switzerland’s Chairpersonship attaches great importance to an effective and credible OSCE, capable of responding to today’s challenges. This visit is an excellent opportunity to reaffirm our support and to encourage dialogue between the sides in order to reach a settlement of the Transnistrian conflict.”
In the bilateral context, Minister Ignazio Cassis also reiterated that Switzerland remains a reliable partner for the Republic of Moldova and will continue to support the advancement of our country on its European path.
OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu appreciated the Republic of Moldova’s resilience in the face of current challenges, as well as the authorities’ continued commitment to the peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict. He stated that the OSCE Mission to Moldova continues to play an important role in facilitating dialogue between the sides.
