The referendum that Chisinau is now proposing to the population in order to boost the country’s European integration is definitely a point of tangency between the democracies of the Republic of Moldova and Switzerland. “In a few months, the Moldovan people will have the opportunity to vote on a very important subject for the future of your country – European integration,” the Ambassador of Switzerland based in Kiev Félix Baumann stated in his speech at the Swiss Summer Day event, IPN reports.

“This year also marks the creation of our peculiar system of direct democracy 150 years ago. In fact, in 1874, the Swiss constitution underwent a complete revision. A major novelty was the introduction of the referendum, which laid the basis for the frequent popular votes through which the Swiss population can approve or reject laws elaborated by the Parliament. Over the past three decades, the Swiss population also had several opportunities to express its opinion on matters pertaining to the relations between Switzerland and the European Union – and, so far, always backed the course set by the Government.

Arriving to Chisinau from the shelled Kiev, the ambassador said that on occasion of last year’s Swiss Day, they were deeply concerned by the ongoing Russian military aggression against Ukraine and its international consequences. “Twelve months later, the war in Ukraine continues with unwavering brutality. Yesterday was yet another tragic proof,” stated Félix Baumann, reminding of the attacked children’s hospital Okhmatdet.

He urged to maintain the collective efforts. “Three weeks ago, the first Summit on Peace in Ukraine was held at Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland. A common understanding amongst the participating delegations crystalized itself, notably on the fact that International Law and particularly the UN Charter must be the basis for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Notably, the principles of territorial integrity and self-determination are fundamental to the international order and must be protected and defended in the interest of all nations,” said the ambassador.

In this connection, Félix Baumann said that in these challenging times, the Republic of Moldova continues to promote threatened values such as democracy and freedom, and remains a shining example of hospitality and solidarity for all those Ukrainians that have found refuge here.

He also said that the relations between the Republic of Moldova and Switzerland continue to develop and fortify A new Swiss funded initiative aimed at supporting the Parliament of Moldova will also contribute to more intensive relations between the Parliaments of the two countries. “Last October, Madame President Maia Sandu travelled to Switzerland for the first official visit of a Moldovan President to our country since 1999. This visit provided the opportunity for deepening the relations between our nations, to advance our bilateral collaboration on social protection, labor and employment issues, as well as tourism, and to sign cooperation documents in these areas,” stated the diplomat.