Regardless of developments in 5+2 talks, we will support Moldova's integrity and sovereignty, Kanat Saudabayev

No matter how the talks in the 5+2 format develop, we will support Moldova's integrity and sovereignty, Kazakh Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev said during the signing of the memorandum of cooperation between the Moldovan and Kazakh Foreign Affairs Ministries in Chisinau. The agreement describes the joint steps that will be taken to solve the Transnistrian dispute and to stimulate the economic development of the two countries, Info-Prim Neo reports. “Kazakhstan (the country that now holds the OSCE presidency – e.n.) wants that the negotiation process is resumed as soon as possible. The format of the talks was decided – 5+2,” Kanat Saudabayev said. Moldovan Foreign Affairs Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Iurie Leanca appreciated the role played by the OSCE and other European partners in the settlement process and in identifying a solution that would be acceptable to all the parties. “We described the present situation in the area and the Moldovan Government's primary objectives in promoting a constructive dialogue for peacefully settling the dispute,” Leanca said. “Our major goal is to resume the official talks in the 5+2 format, where all the problems related to the Transnistrian conflict should be solved. The OSCE Chairman-in-Office assured us he will support the official discussions on the issue.” Iurie Leanca stated that the informal consultations in the 5+2 format that will take place in the Kazakh capital of Astana at end-May are very important for Moldova. He added that the two countries are also interested in developing the bilateral economic and political relations. The Kazakh official will also meet with Prime Minister Vlad Filat and Acting President Mihai Ghimpu. Afterward, he will travel to Tiraspol. Iurie Leanca was invited by his Kazakh counterpart to the informal summit to prepare the official summit of heads of state, where the Transnistrian issue will be discussed. Vlad Filat will also travel to Kazakhstan to agree the priorities in the economic relations between the two countries.