Thank you, Mr Chair. Deputy Prime Minister Chiveri, welcome to the Permanent Council, and thank you for your remarks this morning.
The United Kingdom remains a steadfast and consistent supporter of Moldova’s path towards European integration. We were pleased to host the fifth session of the UK-Moldova Strategic Dialogue in London last month. We commend the sustained progress your government has made on democratic reform, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights. The United Kingdom also recognises Moldova’s significant contribution to regional security, including in support of Ukraine’s security.
Deputy Prime Minister, the UK welcomes the resumption of in‑person 1+1 meetings between Chief Negotiators in February and April. These meetings mark an important step forward and underscore the value of sustained, direct dialogue in unlocking meaningful progress. We are grateful to the OSCE Mission to Moldova for facilitating and moderating these meetings. We also welcome the increased activity of the Working Groups, which provide an important channel for addressing issues that affect people’s daily lives.
The United Kingdom encourages Chisinau and Tiraspol to continue engaging constructively and in good faith across all established formats, and to build on this renewed momentum.
The United Kingdom recognises and strongly supports the vital work of OSCE Mission to Moldova on reintegration, including through the Mission’s support to implementation of measures agreed under the Berlin‑plus package, delivering tangible benefits for communities on both banks of the river Nistru. Practical cooperation on issues such as education, vehicle registration, and access to land remains essential to building confidence and trust over time.
The United Kingdom reiterates our longstanding concern over the continued presence of Russian military forces in Transnistria, which is incompatible with Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We underline the importance of the full and unconditional withdrawal of these forces and associated ammunition stockpiles, in line with international commitments.
Deputy Prime Minister, the United Kingdom stands ready to support further efforts towards achieving comprehensive, peaceful, and sustainable settlement that fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, within its internationally recognised borders. We will remain a committed partner to Moldova as you continue to advance democratic reforms and pursue your European future.
Thank you, Mr Chair.