President Maia Sandu could meet with her Russian counterpart in the context of positive achievements, including the current meeting, Sergei Lavrov said after talks in Moscow with Nicu Popescu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.
The two foreign ministers held a press conference after signing a Declaration to mark the 20th anniversary of the Moldova-Russia Friendship and Cooperation Treaty, and a Plan of Consultations between the foreign ministers covering the years 2022-2023.
Nicu Popescu stated that developing relations with Russia is a priority for the Moldovan authorities, and the Russian Federation is a traditional partner of the Republic of Moldova.
“We have examined in detail the entire agenda of Moldova-Russia bilateral relations, including issues that do not yet have a solution. The emphasis is on coordinating concrete steps to accelerate our interaction”, said Nicu Popescu. He also called for a return to unimpeded trade and the elimination of customs barriers to some Moldovan goods. “It is important that a free trade regime is restored within the CIS. Restrictive measures don’t do any good to either Russia or Moldova”, the deputy prime minister stressed.
Energy issues were also discussed during the meeting, and the recent gas deal has been given as an example of how solutions can be found no matter how complicated the situation is.
On the Transnistrian settlement, Nicu Popescu noted the important role of the Russian Federation in identifying a sustainable solution while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders. The Moldovan official called for the resumption of a transparent dialogue to remove Russian ammunition evacuate OGVR troops, which are illegally stationed within Moldova’s territory.
For his part, Serghei Lavrov welcomed the common will to develop the Moldovan-Russian partnership in various areas of common interest. He said that the inclination towards a pragmatic approach is reciprocal, adding that he would like to see it reflected in Moldova balancing cooperation with the European Union and the Eurasian Union.
Omitting the issue of the Russian troops stationed in Transnistria, Lavrov expressed respect for the “status of an unaffiliated, neutral country of the Republic of Moldova” and called for “continued confidence building measures between Chisinau and Tiraspol”. Lavrov welcomed Moldova’s willingness to resume negotiations in the 5 + 2 format, which have been paused for two years now.
The Russian official noted the increase in bilateral trade after its reduction last year, welcomed the gas agreement reached on October 29, and announced preparations for the 17th meeting of the joint commission on economic cooperation. “We talked about the need to keep the role of the Russian language in the cultural, educational and information sphere and this has been met with understanding”, the Russian minister remarked. He promised to support Moldova in combating COVID-19, including by delivering vaccines.
Nicu Popescu invited Sergei Lavrov to Chisinau, with the date to be agreed on through diplomatic channels.
