We will make diplomatic approaches and build international coalitions to convince the Russian Federation to withdraw its illegal military presence from the territory of the Republic of Moldova, said the new Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Moldovan authorities will insist that Russia withdraw its army and ammunition from the left bank of the Nistru in accordance with the commitment made during the 1999 OSCE Istanbul Summit, IPN reports.
The official noted that the withdrawal of the Russian military forces and equipment stored in the Transnistrian region remains a priority for Moldova’s diplomatic service.
“The withdrawal of the Russian army is a commitment that Russia made at the 1999 Istanbul Summit. It’s true that this hasn’t happened for over 20 years. We will have to continue to insist, to take diplomatic steps, to build international coalitions to convince the Russian Federation to give up this illegal military presence on the territory of the Republic of Moldova,” Mihai Popșoi stated in the program “In the Context” on the public television channel.
The minister said that together with the creation of the Bureau for European Integration, the tasks of the two entities responsible for foreign policy will be clearly delineated. Cristina Gerasimov will conduct negotiations on the country’s accession to the European Union, while the proper development of bilateral partnerships remains the priority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“All aspects related to the political dialogue, assistance, the security dialogue we have with the European Union, including the partnership we have and the diplomatic relations with each member state, remain the prerogative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As the decision of substance, both to open negotiations and to conclude them and to integrate the Republic of Moldova into the European Union is taken by the member states. That’s why we must continue to ensure that we have as good relations as possible with each member state so as to facilitate the process in this regard and to also make sure that we have solid partnerships with the United States, Japan, Canada and other states,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The former Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mihai Popșoi on Monday was sworn in as Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to the leader of the Party of Action and Solidarity Igor Grosu, Mihai Popșoi’s place in Parliament will be taken by PAS MP Doina German, who will serve as Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
