An online meeting of the Pridnestrovian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Collegium was held to summarise the work of the ministry in 2022. PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky, Chairman of the PMR Government Alexander Rozenberg, Parliament Speaker Alexander Korshunov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Moldova Oleg Vasnetsov and Foreign Ministers of South Ossetia and Nagorno-Karabakh Akhsar Dzhioev and Sergey Gazaryan attended the event.
Head of the Official Representation of the PMR in Russia Leonid Manakov, Plenipotentiary Representative of the Republic of Abkhazia in Pridnestrovie Alexander Vataman, Head of the Official Representation of the Republic of South Ossetia to the PMR Vitaly Yankovsky, and heads of executive and judicial authorities also joined the discussion.
In his report, Vitaliy Ignatiev spoke about the topical challenges faced by Pridnestrovie at the present stage. According to him, the republic's strategic situation significantly deteriorated last year due to a series of terrorist attacks, the complete closure of the Pridnestrovian-Ukrainian border, as well as the increased pressure from the Republic of Moldova.
The Minister elaborated on the ongoing banking and financial blockade; transport and logistic, trade and economic restrictions; administrative and bureaucratic barriers for the import of foods, medicines and other goods to Pridnestrovie, which are carried out in relation to the PMR. The diplomat put a special emphasis on the new amendments to the Moldovan criminal legislation and Chisinau’s tactics of imitating the dialogue with Pridnestrovie, stating that Moldova is purposefully pursuing a course of degradation and destruction of the negotiation process.
Among other negative factors, the PMR Foreign Minister cited the militarization of the neighboring state, as well as increased aggressive rhetoric and actions against the Russian peacekeeping operation on the Dniester.
In this regard, Vitaly Ignatiev pointed out that “it is important for Pridnestrovian diplomacy to maintain active, pragmatic communication with all international actors, supporting the fact that Pridnestrovian statehood was created to protect its citizens, and that threats and pressure on the PMR will not lead to the expected results.”
In his speech, Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Oleg Vasnetsov stressed the importance of joint efforts on the Moldova-Pridnestrovie settlement track, and said that the most important task of bilateral cooperation is to preserve peace on the Dniester River. The diplomat referred to the ongoing state of affairs within the 5+2 format, adding that the Russian side is looking forward to the substantial dialogue and practical results from the upcoming visit of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, as well as from the meeting of political representatives, “We look forward to a more intensive work within the working groups and to the implementation of the previously reached agreements on matters crucial to the well-being of the population on both banks of the Dniester.” Oleg Vasnetsov congratulated the staff of the PMR Foreign Ministry on the Day of the Diplomatic Service Officer of Pridnestrovie and wished professional growth and successful solution of challenging tasks.
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Akhsar Dzhioev and Sergey Gazaryan, also congratulated the diplomats on their professional day.
Addressing the participants of the Сollegium meeting, Vadim Krasnoselsky focused on the tasks facing the Foreign Ministry today, and noted the need for further dialogue at all possible international venues, including the 5+2 format.
The head of state pointed to the amendments to the Moldovan Criminal Code adopted by the Moldovan parliament which provide grounds to prosecute any Pridnestrovian citizen. “If we lose our statehood, no one will protect the residents living in Pridnestrovie. That is why statehood is a guarantee of the rights, freedoms, and lives of people,” Vadim Krasnoselsky said.
The PMR President acknowledged the high role of the peacekeeping mission in preserving peace on the banks of the Nistru River, noting that it must be continued in its current configuration. He also addressed the issues of consular services for Pridnestrovian citizens.
In conclusion of the Collegium meeting, Vadim Krasnoselsky congratulated the Pridnestrovian diplomats on their professional day.
