Visit of Special Representative of Swedish OSCE Chairperson-in-Office prepares ground for visit to Republic of Moldova by Chairperson-in-Office

CHISINAU, 15 September 2021 — The Special Representative of the Swedish OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, Thomas Mayr-Harting, has concluded a two-day official visit to the Republic of Moldova. During the visit, he reviewed the current state of affairs in the Transdniestrian Settlement Process and prepared the ground for the forthcoming visit of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde to the Republic of Moldova planned for October.

In Chisinau, the Special Representative met with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Parliamentary Speaker Igor Grosu, Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Vlad Kulminski and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicu Popescu. In Tiraspol, he met with Transdniestrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky and the Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev.

In his discussions with the Sides, Mayr-Harting exchanged views on the state of affairs in the Settlement Process ahead of the forthcoming visit of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, and stressed the need to advance this process, as well develop further joint proposals. He also reviewed the potential for achieving progress on key issues improving lives of people on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River, including freedom of movement, protection of human rights, transportation and healthcare.

These meetings also provided a good opportunity for discussing current and upcoming challenges and the prospects for organizing a result oriented “5+2” meeting this autumn. The Special Representative welcomed the willingness of the Sides to participate in such a “5+2” meeting in Stockholm, which the Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship stands ready to convene.

During his visit, the Special Representative also met the resident Ambassadors of the mediators and observers in the Transdniestrian Settlement Process.