The Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Nicu Popescu, argues that the contract for gas delivery between the Russian Federation of Moldova is being negotiated, given the president's visit to Moscow and Brussels. In the coming weeks, there will be more contacts and negotiations with involved actors. The result of these negotiations will be made public soon. Statements to this effect have been made by the minister while answering questions asked by USM students at a public university lesson.
According to Nicu Popescu, it is not yet known how negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation will proceed for the next phase of Russian gas deliveries to the Ukrainian market. In this sense, Moldova has talks with Ukraine and the Russian Federation, but also with other actors in order to diversify supply so that Moldova is not totally dependent on a single provider.
"The energy security equation consists not only of Russian gas, but also of our ability as a government and a country to look for alternatives in case certain problems arise". The minister says that Moldova has several scenarios of potential alternative solutions to ensure the continuous flow of gas to the country. It will be determined in the near future if the implementation of these scenarios is necessary.
According to the minister, it is certain that Moldova wants a solution to the energy issue without making political compromises, while being able to secure a fair price. "We want to maintain a balance between tariffs and the source of this gas", says Nicu Popescu.
In other news, the foreign minister said that the solution to the Transnistrian conflict can only be political and that Moldova has clear preferences regarding the regulation of the Transnistrian issue. "We do not want federalization nor foreign troops on the territory of the country nor do we want to change and revise the basic principles regarding the functioning of the country, such as democracy and foreign policy", said Nicu Popescu.
According to the minister, political leaders have always chosen not to sacrifice any of these principles while attempting to solve the Transnistrian conflict. "We seek solutions through negotiations. On the one hand, we discuss with Tiraspol, on the other, we have multiple mediators. So far, these principles have not been accepted by all involved actors in the Transnistrian conflict settlement”, said the minister.
Nicu Popescu added that Moldova has a relatively good image at the international level. The country is being appreciated due to the fact that it solves its issues without resorting to violence. At the same time, due to the societal structural failure, which is linked to corruption, Moldova's image, in this respect, "is in dire straits".
The minister says that the government and MFAEI foreign policy priorities are related to the continuity of respecting Moldova's international commitments. Mainly, assuring the continuity of the implementation of the EU Association Agreement and of the Free Trade Agreement. At the same time, it is in the country's best interest to have good relations with external partners, including the Russian Federation.
