Moldovan, Maltese officials approach current issues

Chisinau, April 12 /MOLDPRES/- Maltese Presidency supports a peaceful, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Transnistrian conflict, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognised borders, with a special status for the Transnistrian region. OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign, Trade and European Affairs of Malta Ian Borg made the statement at a today's joint press conference with Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi in Chisinau.

According to the Maltese official, the purpose of his visit is to better understand the existing challenges in the region. "We aim to offer support in overcoming them. It is important to promote peace and help facilitate dialogue. We are committed to working towards a lasting solution. We strongly believe in the role of the OSCE in this regard. We reaffirm our strong commitment to support the Transnistrian settlement process. We want to identify concrete steps to build confidence also between the parties. Even if the 5+2 format is on pause, we encourage the 1+1 format, where political representatives and expert groups are working", said Ian Borg.

For his part, Popsoi said that the Republic of Moldova remains firmly committed to a peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict. "We are grateful for the effort of the OSCE mission in facilitating dialogue and supporting the human rights field. We continue to call for the withdrawal of Russian troops and ammunition from the territory of the Republic of Moldova. This is a clear position and we count on the support of the international community to speed up this process. We thank our partners for constant efforts to preserve peace and tranquillity in our region", said Popssoi.

Ian Borg is visiting Chisinau today. He is on his first visit to the Republic of Moldova at the invitation of Popsoi.