OSCE Chairman-in-Office Cassis and Secretary General Sinirlioğlu visit Moldova and reaffirm OSCE’s commitment to security and stability in the region

CHISINAU, 15 May 2026 – The OSCE Chairman-in-Office Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu concluded their visit to Moldova today. This visit reaffirmed the Organization’s long-standing commitment to supporting peace, stability and dialogue across the region. While in Chisinau, they also participated in the 135th Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. 

During the course of their visit, they met with President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi. The Chairman-in-Office and the Secretary General also met with Transdniestrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky and Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev in Bender. 

The discussions focused on regional security, the importance of maintaining dialogue, and the need to continue confidence-building efforts within the Transdniestrian Settlement Process. The Chairman-in-Office and the Secretary General reiterated the OSCE’s important role in facilitating efforts towards a lasting and comprehensive settlement that is based on the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders with a special status for Transdniestria. They also stressed the importance of continued engagement and building on existing progress for the benefit of people on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River.

“Switzerland remains committed to supporting dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol. At a time of heightened regional tensions, preserving channels of communication and strengthening practical co-operation are essential to advancing stability and building trust in the settlement process,” said Chairman-in-Office Cassis. 

“Our meetings in both Chisinau and Bender highlight the unique experience and expertise of the OSCE in advancing constructive solutions to everyday problems affecting people on both banks. In these uncertain times, inclusive dialogue remains our most stabilising force. This is where the OSCE continues to play a vital role,” said Secretary General Sinirlioğlu.

Both Secretary General Sinirlioğlu and Chairman-in-Office Cassis also visited the OSCE Mission to Moldova. When meeting with the staff, they reaffirmed the Organization’s full support for the Mission's work in facilitating dialogue, supporting confidence-building measures and promoting stability on the ground.