Nicu Popescu, Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, participated remotely in the 40th Meeting of the GUAM Council of Ministers for Foreign Affairs. The event marked the end of Moldova’s rotating chairmanship of the organization.

Moldova’s chairmanship of GUAM coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Organization, which allowed the country to renew its commitments to the organization’s values and objectives: democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights, strengthening regional security and stability, and deepening European integration to create a common space for security, economic stimulation and humanitarian cooperation.

“We have supported and continue to support the values on which the organization was founded, especially against the backdrop of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. Our country, including in the regional format, strongly condemned the war and remains in solidarity with Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and democracy. We remain firm in supporting the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and will continue to ensure the safety and well-being of over 80 thousand Ukrainian refugees living in Moldova, provide humanitarian assistance, ensure avenues of solidarity and do our best to be a contributor to regional stability”, Nicu Popescu was quoted in a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the deputy prime minister, within the framework of GUAM, the Republic of Moldova had excellent contacts with all member states, with international and regional organizations. “We have made a number of advances in sectoral work, bringing together working groups on exceptional situations, transport, science and education, strategic communication and trade”, the minister said.