Kyriakos Hadjiyianni meets with Valeriu Chiveri in Chisinau, 24 March 2026CHISINAU, 25 March 2025 – The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Representative on South East Europe, Vice-President Kyriakos Hadjiyianni (Cyprus), has concluded a two-day visit to the Republic of Moldova, where he held a series of high-level meetings in Chisinau and Tiraspol with key stakeholders, including parliamentarians, government officials, and representatives of the international community.

During his visit, Hadjiyianni met with Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Doina Gherman, Member of Parliament Veronica Roșca together with the Delegation of Moldova to the OSCE PA, and Head of Cabinet to the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Cerevate.

On Wednesday, the Special Representative travelled to Tiraspol, where he met with Transdniestrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky to discuss the current state of the Transdniestrian settlement process. He also visited the Vehicle Registration Office to learn about the process of issuing neutral-design license plates to Transdniestrian residents.

The Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Ambassador Izabela Sylwia Hartmann, accompanied Hadjiyianni in all meetings, including the meeting held in Tiraspol. The entire visit of Vice-President Hadjiyianni was supported by the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

“This visit provided an opportunity to learn first-hand about the current status of the Transdniestrian settlement process and ongoing efforts to promote constructive dialogue,” said Vice-President Hadjiyianni. “I believe that the OSCE’s role is to create conditions for this dialogue.”

The discussions focused on domestic and regional developments, including the current dynamics on both banks of the Dniester River, the functioning of dialogue formats between Chisinau and Tiraspol, and the key priorities of the Moldovan authorities in advancing reintegration policies in a gradual and sectoral manner.

“The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly reaffirms its support for the authorities of the Republic of Moldova in their efforts to ensure peace, stability, and the rule of law throughout the country,” Hadjiyianni said. “As a platform for promoting dialogue and co-operation, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly seeks to actively contribute to the strengthening of the country’s democratic institutions.”

Highlighting the importance of continued engagement, Hadjiyianni stressed that “we have to create conditions for dialogue,” adding that “dialogue must be kept as far as possible from political confrontation.” He emphasized that maintaining open communication channels between Chisinau and Tiraspol is essential to keeping the settlement process on a positive track.

In meetings with Moldovan officials, Hadjiyianni underlined the critical importance of sustained international support, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the ongoing war in Ukraine. He also welcomed Moldova’s continued commitment to reforms aimed at European integration, noting that “there is no alternative to European integration if we want to ensure development and stability.”

The Special Representative was informed about recent developments in the Transdniestrian settlement process, including the 1+1 format negotiations at the level of chief negotiators, as well as practical issues affecting daily life such as economic challenges, freedom of movement, vehicle registration, environmental concerns, and access to medicines. In this context, Hadjiyianni noted that “freedom of movement remains a challenge and needs to be addressed.”

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Doina Gherman and Special Representative Kyriakos Hadjiyianni, Chisinau, 24 March 2026Human rights issues featured prominently in the discussions. The importance of addressing these issues was widely acknowledged, with Hadjiyianni stressing that “human rights must remain an integral part of the dialogue process.” Participants also reiterated the need to provide assistance to victims and to secure the release of individuals held in places of illegal detention in the region.

The role of the OSCE in the Transdniestrian settlement process was widely appreciated. Hadjiyianni expressed the OSCE PA’s full support for the work of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, emphasizing its vital contribution to building confidence, facilitating dialogue, and helping the sides identify practical solutions to longstanding issues.

“For over three decades, the OSCE Mission to Moldova has built a strong and trusted partnership with Chisinau and Tiraspol,” Hadjiyianni said. “The OSCE’s experience and expertise are essential to bringing the sides together and addressing the challenges they face.”

Finally, Hadjiyianni expressed his appreciation for the tangible results achieved through OSCE efforts to improve the daily lives of people on both sides of the Dniester/Nistru River, reaffirming the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s continued support for such initiatives.

This was the second visit in two years by Vice-President of the OSCE PA Kyriakos Hadjiyianni to Moldova in his capacity as Special Representative on South East Europe.

For more information on the work of the Special Representative on South East Europe, please click here.