Moldova reiterates the need to withdraw the troops and ammunition of the Russian Federation from the Transnistrian region of the country and counts on the international partners’ assistance in speeding up this process, as it was actually established at the OSCE Istanbul Summit in 1999, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, stated in a press conference held jointly with the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta Ian Borg, IPN reports.

In a meeting, the two officials exchanged views on the Transniestrian settlement. Mihai Popșoi stressed that Moldova remains committed to the peaceful settlement of the conflict, this being the only option considered. The authorities are grateful to the OSCE Mission for its effort to facilitate the dialogue, for its constant support in this process. Mihai Popșoi also thanked for Malta’s support in Moldova’s path of European integration.

For his part, Ian Borg said Malta is committed to strengthening the OSCE’s efforts to prevent the escalation of tensions and to restore stability around the world. In this connection, it reaffirms its commitment and support for the Transnistrian settlement process. Malta’s OSCE Chairmanship supports a peaceful, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Transnistrian conflict in all its aspects, based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders, with a special status for Transnistria.

The OSCE will focus on the identification of concrete steps to build trust and a constructive dialogue between the parties for the conflict settlement process to advance at all levels. It is important that all communication channels remain open. Even if the 5+2 format is on hold, it is good to promote the 1+1 format. This interaction allows monitors to implement the previous commitments, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office stressed.

The purpose of his visit to Moldova is to better understand the problems Moldova is facing so that Malta’s OSCE Chairmanship can provide further support to overcome the challenges.