Today, Shevchenko Pridnestrovian State University hosted an International Academic and Practical Conference on the topic “Pridnestrovian Statehood: History and Modernity,” dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the founding of the republic. The event was organized by the PMR Foreign Ministry and SPSU.
The plenary session was attended by the First President of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic Igor Smirnov, State Adviser to the PMR President Anna Volkova, heads of ministries and agencies, diplomats, representatives of public organizations, the academic and expert community, as well as students of the State University. Joining the discussion remotely were State Duma Deputy Artem Turov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation Sergey Gubarev.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Vitaly Ignatiev delivered a report on the foreign policy identity of Pridnestrovie. The diplomat emphasized that “the modern world is undergoing a dramatic transformation of international relations, accompanied by growing tensions, increased risks of escalation, and a mounting sense of uncertainty against the backdrop of the declining authority of universal international organizations.”
In these circumstances, Pridnestrovie is building its foreign policy identity on a solid foundation. The first component is international subjectivity and the right of the people to self-determination. The second is a unique status in diplomacy: Pridnestrovie is an internationally recognized participant in the “5+2” negotiation format, acting as an equal party in the settlement process. At the same time, close relations with Russia and cooperation with friendly republics remain strategic pillars of the PMR’s foreign policy.
Among the key value benchmarks of Pridnestrovie’s foreign policy identity, the PMR Foreign Minister highlighted a realistic approach to international relations, as well as a commitment to the principles of historical justice and the universal norms of international law.
Vitaly Ignatiev noted that the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic is, to a great extent, a hostage of fundamental flaws, conflicts, and contradictions within the international legal system. However, current trends offer hope for an adequate and fair approach to the final settlement of relations between Pridnestrovie and neighboring Moldova.
“Our approaches in the international arena are built with regard to the uniqueness of the Pridnestrovian people, their fundamental rights and identity, including linguistic and cultural characteristics, as well as the imperative of preventing a recurrence of armed conflict. The recognition of Pridnestrovie, which for more than 35 years has been developing as a de facto component of the global system, is the best way to achieve a sustainable settlement through peaceful diplomatic means,” the Minister stated.
Sergey Gubarev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation, who has worked for many years on the Moldova-Pridnestrovie settlement track, emphasized that the only way to resolve the current situation is through diplomatic, equal negotiations between the parties, the outcome of which should be a well-considered and balanced compromise. According to him, their resumption requires the political will of Chisinau.
“I believe that such a situation cannot continue indefinitely, and ultimately everyone must come to understand that all these issues can only be resolved at the negotiating table,” the diplomat said.
The participants of the international conference were also welcomed by State Duma Deputy Artem Turov. He emphasized that the PMR “is currently surrounded by geopolitical events” and faces significant challenges, one of which was the humanitarian and energy crisis of January 2025. “Nevertheless, despite all the difficulties, the economy in Pridnestrovie continues to operate, and the social sector is developing,” the parliamentarian stated.
The conference continued with sectional meetings. Representatives of the academic community, researchers, experts, and members of public organizations from Russia and Pridnestrovie delivered reports addressing historical, legal, and cultural aspects of the development of Pridnestrovian statehood, issues of constitutional and parliamentary development, ethnocultural heritage, as well as the sociological and political dimensions of the Pridnestrovian people’s identity.
