Despite the complex regional security context, the OSCE can continue to play a major role in shaping the future security architecture of the European continent. This statement was made by Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popșoi, during a joint conference with the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Finland's Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, IPN reports.
Mihai Popsoi emphasized that "we all need to deliver results to ensure the necessary conditions for achieving the organization's objectives", adding that Moldova will support Finland in ensuring its OSCE chairmanship is successful.
The Moldovan minister expressed hope that Finland’s OSCE presidency would focus on strict adherence to the Helsinki Decalogue by all participating states. Popsoi also reaffirmed Moldova's support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlighting that the war initiated by the Russian Federation directly impacts regional security, including in the Transnistrian region.
According to Mihai Popsoi, discussions with Elina Valtonen centered on regional security and resolving the Transnistrian conflict. He highlighted that the Moldovan authorities are focused on maintaining calm on both banks of the Dniester River and preventing a humanitarian crisis. Popșoi also underscored the importance of continuing 1+1 format dialogue between political negotiators to address issues on the Transnistrian settlement agenda. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the OSCE, through its mission in Moldova, remains an essential facilitator of this dialogue.The Moldovan minister added that progress in Moldova’s European integration would positively impact the country’s reintegration process, stressing the advantage of the withdrawal of Russian troops and ammunition stockpiles from the region.
During the same press conference, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Finland’s Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, stated that Moldova is extremely important not only for Finland but also for the OSCE as a whole. "We are here to support Moldova in facing its significant energy challenges", said Valtonen, noting that Finland and its partners from Northern and Baltic Europe had adopted a joint declaration supporting Moldova's energy system.
Regarding potential hybrid threats from Russia, Elina Valtonen mentioned that Finland is ready to share its experience in managing such threats, considering the risks associated with Moldova’s parliamentary elections. She also addressed the decision by the Russian energy company Gazprom to halt gas supplies to Moldova, describing it as an action undermining the state’s economic and political stability and impacting regional security.
On the resolution of the Transnistrian conflict, Elina Valtonen reaffirmed Finland's support for a comprehensive settlement based on Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the welfare of its population, including a special status for Transnistria.
