The new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi, said that this position is a great honor, but also a great responsibility. The priorities are clear: the European integration. “We will continue the excellent dialogue and strategic partnership relations with Romania. We will further strengthen the strategic dialogue with the United States, Ukraine, etc. We will develop our cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally. We must be much more ambitious. We must capitalize on all the opportunities and all the means that our young, but professional diplomatic service has so as to contribute to improving the lives of our citizens, both in the country and outside it,” Mihai Popșoi said after taking the oath of office, IPN reports.
He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will not be reformed. It will continue fulfilling its duties as before, but the other component – the European integration – becomes “European affairs” and is taken over by Cristina Gerasimov. “The ministry will further fulfil its duties to promote the Republic of Moldova’s foreign policy and defend the national interests of the Republic of Moldova abroad,” said Mihai Popșoi.
As for the Transnistrian settlement, Mihai Popșoi noted the authorities must ensure that all partner countries respect the territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova. “This dialogue has been difficult, especially with particular countries because only one country during all the 30 years has kept its army on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, thus violating the status of neutrality. And we will have to work hard to make sure that all international players respect our neutrality, sovereignty and independence. I’m sure that the Republic of Moldova’s diplomatic service, with its characteristic skill and professionalism, will contribute to this effort,'” stated the minister.
Asked about the relationship with the Russian Federation, Mihai Popșoi said that Moldova’s position in the interaction with the Russian Federation, as with any other state, is based on Moldova’s national interest. “Only on the basis of citizens’ interests, sovereignty, independence and territorial unity of the Republic of Moldova – these are the bases or the foundation of our relationship both with the Russian Federation and with any other state,” noted the official.
Mihai Popșoi took over as minister of foreign affairs following the resignation tendered by Nicu Popescu. The position of minister for European affairs will be held by Cristina Gerasimov, who will also be Moldova’s chief negotiator in the process of integration into the European Union.
