Moldovan PM says Cyprus example of European integration, settlement of separatist conflict

Chisinau, 26 September /MOLDPRES/ – Prime Minister, Pavel Filip, had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Ioannis Kasoulides, paying a working visit to Moldova today, the government's communication and protocol department has reported.

The Prime Minister welcomed the diplomat’s presence in Chisinau, mentioning that his visit has been important for strengthening bilateral cooperation, within the context of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations’ establishment. In this context, Pavel Filip noted that Cyprus was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Moldova and over the years has supported its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Also, the head of the Executive said that Moldova has fully supported the position of the authorities of Cyprus on the issue of the secessionist territory in the north of the country and expressed its conviction that that issue would be regulated by negotiation, respecting the country’s territorial integrity. "The Republic of Cyprus is for us an example of European integration and resolution of a separatist conflict," said Pavel Filip.

In this regard, the Prime Minister referred to the 5+2 negotiation format in the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, specifying that it was not easy to advance in negotiations having armed troops and foreign ammunition on the territory of Moldova. Pavel Filip specified that at the UN General Assembly he had asked for inclusion on the current session agenda of a special point on the withdrawal of foreign armed forces from the territory of Moldova.

In another context, the head of the government referred to preparations for the Eastern Partnership Summit in November 2017, emphasizing the importance of this meeting for Moldova. Pavel Filip specified that he wanted the government to be appreciated by the facts: "During the meetings with US and EU State Department officials, we have called for openness, permanent communication and an objective assessment."

At his part, the Foreign Minister of Cyprus said that there were similarities between Moldova and Cyprus: existence of separatist conflicts and desire for European integration. The head of the Cypriot diplomacy emphasized that Cyprus has supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova and its efforts for European integration.

At the end of the meeting, the officials expressed their readiness to strengthen further the bilateral political, economic and humanitarian dialogue, while Prime Minister, Pavel Filip invited his Cypriot counterpart to visit Moldova.