Moldova's cooperation with OSCE discussed in Vienna

Chisinau, 28 April /MOLDPRES/ - Acting Prime Minister, acting Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Aureliu Ciocoi today had a bilateral meeting with Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Helga Maria Schmid, the Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry’s (MAEIE) press service has reported.    

The officials exchanged opinions on up-to-date issues on OSCE’s agenda. The sides paid special attention to enhancing the efficiency of this organization in the prevention and settlement of conflicts in the OSCE area.  

The Moldovan diplomacy head appreciated the willingness expressed by Secretary General Helga Schmid to back efforts, in order to identify a comprehensive and viable solution to the Transnistrian problem. Ciocoi expressed confidence that the cooperation relations between Moldova and OSCE would continue developing in a pragmatic way, in order to boost the dialogue within the political negotiations.

Aureliu Ciocoi reiterated the special attention Moldova was paying to the process of withdrawal of the foreign troops and ammunitions from its territory and highlighted the importance of OSCE’s support and assistance, in order to ensure a transparent character of this process. The two officials reviewed also other activities on the agenda of Moldova’s cooperation with this organization, such as the freedom of press, observance of human rights, promotion of an inclusive and tolerant society.    

Aureliu Ciocoi also had a separate meeting with Special Representative of the Swedish OSCE Chairmanship-in-office, Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting. At the discussions, the diplomats reviewed the priorities for settlement this year, with emphasis on aspects concerning the protection of human rights and the freedom of movement between the two banks of Dniester.   

The interlocutors also approached the current stage of the process of talks on the Transnistrian conflict settlement, as well as the steps due to be undertaken to this end on the next period.    

The officials reiterated the interest to further support the efforts to identify a comprehensive and sustainable political solution to the Transnistrian conflict, based on the observance of Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders, with the providing of a special status to the Transnistrian region.   

photo: MAEIE