3rd session of Moldova - UK Strategic Dialogue held in London

Chisinau, May 1 /MOLDPRES/-  The 3rd session of Moldova - UK Strategic Dialogue was held in London. It was hosted by Minister for Europe Nusrat Ghani and involved the participation of Foreign Secretary David Cameron and Armed Forces Minister Leo Docherty, the Foreign Ministry press service has reported.

The Moldovan delegation was led by State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Carolina Perebinos and involved the participation of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popsoi and State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Valeriu Mija.

The dialogue was established in the Strategic Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, signed in late 2020.

During the Dialogue, the parties addressed a wide range of topics concerning bilateral cooperation, which has intensified since Russia's attack on Ukraine. This includes a reinvigorated security and defence partnership, by strengthening Moldova's resilience to address threats such as cyber security vulnerabilities, as well as increasing law enforcement and criminal justice cooperation, exchanges of information to combat serious and organised crime, and support to defence reform.

It also involves UK support to Moldovan political and economic reform, in particular on energy security, fighting corruption, democracy-building, private sector development and independent media. It includes a substantial UK humanitarian programme that ensures the basic needs of Ukrainian refugees and vulnerable Moldovans are being met, while strengthening the national social protection system. Both sides assessed the increased pace of ministerial engagement since last year's Dialogue in Chisinau and welcomed the strong partnership and friendship our countries enjoy. The UK reiterated its support for Moldova's efforts to join the European Union.

Given that the temporary tariff liberalisation under the UK- Moldova Free Trade Agreement is due to expire on 31 July 2024, both sides are actively discussing its future.

Furthermore, acknowledging the importance of extending and strengthening the existing strong bilateral legal framework, the sides reaffirmed their willingness to intensify discussions on the conclusion of an agreement on the conversion of driving licences and a returns agreement.

As Moldova prepares to hold presidential elections and a referendum on joining the European Union this autumn, the UK reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending Moldova’s democratic choice to pursue a path of freedom, independence, and sovereignty.

Both sides look forward to continuing engagement in 2024 and beyond.