Moldovan, Finnish officials approach current issues

Chisinau, Jan. 9 /MOLDPRES/- Moldova is an important country for OSCE and I am firmly committed to advancing the Transnistrian settlement process. We will focus on supporting dialogue, and Finland supports a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Transnistrian conflict on the basis of Moldova's integrity and sovereignty and within internationally recognized borders. Finland's Foreign Minister, OSCE chairperson-in-office Elina Valtonen made the statement during a joint conference with Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi.

The Moldovan official said that the meeting with Elina Valtonen focused on several issues, including regional security, the Transnistrian case and the energy crisis on the left bank of the Dniester.

"We believe that the OSCE can continue to play a major role in determining the future security architecture on the European continent. For this reason, all of us should deliver results so as to ensure the necessary conditions for the fulfillment of the organization's goals. I would like to assure you of the full support that the Republic of Moldova gives to Finland to make this mandate a successful one. The war in Ukraine and its consequences equally affect the population on both sides of the Dniester, and it is obvious that the discussions are focused on solving humanitarian problems for the population of Moldova as a whole, regardless of region or locality. We are convinced that finalizing the objective of withdrawing Russian military troops and ammunition illegally stationed in Moldova without the consent of the host country will give a positive impetus to the reintegration process," Popșoi said.

Valtonen said her country supports Moldova on European path and congratulated Moldovans on the results of the 2024 elections. She said she was also to meet Tiraspol separatist leader Vadim Krasnoselski and Vitali Ignatiev today. "We are here to support you in this critical energy situation. Gazprom's decision to halt gas supplies to the Transnistrian region undermines the country's economic and political stability and weakens security in the entire region. I am firmly committed to advancing the Transnistrian settlement process, we will focus on supporting dialogue. Finland supports a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Transnistrian conflict on the basis of Moldova's integrity and sovereignty and the well-being of the population within internationally recognized borders," said the official.

Moldova joined the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe on January 30, 1992.