Moldovan diplomacy head has more meetings at OSCE ministerial meeting

Chisinau, 1 December /MOLDPRES/ - Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Nicu Popescu on 29-30 November led Moldova’s delegation to the ministerial meeting of the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE), at an invitation by OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Foreign Affairs Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, the Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry’s (MAEIE) press service has reported.    

At the event, Nicu Popescu firmly reiterated the call for the withdrawal of the Russian troops from Moldova. He also conveyed, along with the country’s European partners, a message of solidarity and support for Ukraine, which fights for our collective peace and security.   

The illegal presence of the Russian military forces in Moldova continues to infringe the sovereignty and neutrality of the country. The full and unconditional withdrawal of the Russian troops and ammunitions from Moldova’s territory is essential for the peaceful settlement of the conflict.   

Ass for the vote at the European Council due on 14-15 December, this meeting gave possibility to hold dialogues with ministers from European Union member states and the Western Balkans on the importance of the extension of the EU and the progress made by Moldova to this end. The fact that the European Commission recommended the opening of the negotiations on accession represents an obvious proof of these achievements.  

Thus, during this visit, Foreign Affairs Minister Nicu Popescu had meetings and solid discussions with his counterparts from European countries, as well as with high-ranking officials, such as:

·        Luminița Odobescu, Foreign Affairs Minister of Romania;

·        Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Foreign Affairs Minister of Denmark;

·        Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary;

·        Hanke Bruins Slot, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Netherlands;

·        Alexander Schallenberg, Foreign Affairs Minister of Austria; ·        Tobias Billström, Foreign Affairs Minister of Sweden;

·        Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Luxembourg;  

·        Laurence Boone, Secretary of State for European Affairs of France;

·        José Manuel Albares Foreign Affairs Minister of Spain;

·        Ignazio Cassis, Foreign Affairs Minister of Switzerland;  

·        Bujar Osmani, Foreign Affairs Minister of North Macedonia;

·        Bojan Maricik, Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs of North Macedonia;  

·        Jim O'Brien, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.

·        Matteo Mecacci, director of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

„I took part in the session dedicated to Ukraine, during which I emphasized that Moldova faces no military danger as long as the Ukrainian armed forces maintain the front line. I spoke out for the continuation of the support provided to Ukraine and I expressed our country’s solidarity in its efforts for freedom,’’ Deputy PM Nicu Popescu said.