news agency Infotag

MOLDOVA, RUSSIA HOLD FOREIGN MINISTERIAL CONSULTATIONS

27.07.2010

The Republic of Moldova and the Russian Federation held consultations on the level of deputy ministers of foreign affairs in Chisinau. The consultations were attended by Moldovan Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Popov and Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs/State Secretary Grigory Karasin.   

The parties discussed the main aspects of the Moldo-Russian relations and a number of international problems. They highlighted the need to invigorate bilateral contacts both on the political level and between ministries and other governmental structures.    

The Moldovan side expressed interestedness to develop trade and economic relations with Russia, and particularly to eliminate obstacles to trade in Moldovan farm products and wines.

The parties have agreed to prepare for signature a Program of inter-governmental cooperation for 2011-2013. Andrei Popov called to speed up the settling of the problems faced by citizens of Moldova staying temporarily in Russia. In particular, Chisinau is interested in extending till 30 days the period of stay permitted without an official registration. 

The parties particularly focused on the Transnistria problem, stressing the importance to consolidate trust between the sides, to resume the negotiation process, and to use a growing international backing to resolving the Transnistria conflict. The Russian side reaffirmed its position on settling the Transnistria conflict on the basis of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.  

Andrei Popov and Grigory Karasin underscored the intensiveness and good quality of the dialog developing between the two foreign ministries, and spoke out for its continuation on the basis of the Plan of inter-ministerial consultations. This Chisinau round of talks was the 3rd one in 2010.   

The program of Grigory Karasin’s three-day visit to the Republic of Moldova includes also his going to Tiraspol to meet with the leadership of the self-proclaimed Transnistrian Moldovan Republic.