OSCE Chairman-in-Office Zbigniew Rau concludes visit to Moldova

CHISINAU, 26 March 2022 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Poland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Zbigniew Rau concluded his first official visit as OSCE Chairman to Moldova today.

In Chisinau, Minister Rau met with President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, Nicolae Popescu, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian.

The discussions focused on advancing a comprehensive and lasting political settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict in all its aspects, strengthening the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.

“With my visit, I would like to demonstrate to you solidarity and our political support for the Republic of Moldova in these difficult times," stressed the Chairman-in-Office.

Moldova, like other neighbouring countries of Ukraine, is currently facing a large influx of refugees fleeing Russian aggression. "The war in Ukraine seriously affects the situation of the civilian population," assessed Minister Rau. He added that he highly appreciates the active measures taken for refugees by the Moldovan society, the government and local authorities.

Minister Rau also met with Transdniestrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky and the Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev in Bender. Chairman Rau underlined the need to further build trust and constructive dialogue between sides for the benefit of the affected populations on both banks of the Dniester River.

Minister Rau emphasized the efforts to achieve a comprehensive and peaceful solution of the situation in Transdniestria based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders, with special status for Transdniestria.