Special Representative Kristian Vigenin and Igor Grosu, Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament, in Chisinau, 13 February 2024CHISINAU, 14 February 2024 – Kristian Vigenin (MP, Bulgaria), the OSCE PA Special Representative for Eastern Europe, concluded today a three-day visit to Moldova, where he held meetings with high-level interlocutors including the President of the Parliament, Igor Grosu, the Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Oleg Serebrian, as well as with parliamentary committee chairs, the Delegation of Moldova to the OSCE PA, members of the opposition, and foreign ministry officials.
Emphasizing the critical importance of international support for Moldova, particularly amidst challenges posed by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Vigenin highlighted Moldova’s generous welcoming of Ukrainian refugees and its commitment to pursuing reforms towards EU integration, underscoring the need for sustained assistance from international partners.
Throughout the visit, Vigenin underlined the value of robust co-operation with the OSCE.
“Moldova's engagement with the OSCE is integral to its aspirations for European integration,” said Vigenin. “Close work with the OSCE helps Moldova’s ambitions to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold human rights, and advance its European agenda.”
Interlocutors highlighted the reform of the judiciary and the fight against corruption as key priorities. Ahead of Moldova’s presidential election this autumn, discussions expressed concern over disinformation and foreign interference in electoral processes.
Kelly Keiderling, Kristian Vigenin and Loic Poulain, Chisinau, 13 Feb. 2024The Special Representative encouraged Moldova’s active participation in all OSCE PA activities to support the country’s political priorities, reiterating the Assembly’s commitment to serving as a platform for principles-based dialogue among OSCE parliamentarians.
Special Representative Vigenin was joined throughout his visit by Ambassador Kelly Keiderling, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova.
Expressing full support for the Mission’s work, Vigenin advocated for the extension of its mandate for a longer term beyond June 2024, emphasizing the crucial role played in advancing confidence-building in the Transdniestrian Settlement Process and assisting Moldova in safeguarding human rights and fostering an inclusive society.
“For over three decades, the OSCE Mission to Moldova has played a pivotal role in building the confidence necessary to achieve a long-lasting settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict,” said Vigenin. “Its continued presence and engagement are essential for advancing dialogue between the Sides and addressing remaining challenges."
Acknowledging the positive effects of EU integration, Vigenin reaffirmed the OSCE PA's support for initiatives aimed at improving the daily lives of people on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River.
Official photos of the visit to Moldova are available here, here, here, here, and here.
For more on the work of the OSCE PA Special Representative on Eastern Europe, please click here.
