The MFA of the PMR hosted a meeting of Acting Minister of the PMR Vitaly Ignatiev with Head of the European Union Delegation to Moldova Pirkka Tapiola. Taking part in the meeting also was Deputy Foreign Minister of the PMR Dmitry Palamarchuk.
Welcoming the European diplomat, Vitaly Ignatiev said that the interaction of Pridnestrovie with the EU maintains the positive dynamics. In this context the head of the Foreign Ministry expressed the gratitude to the guest for his personal participation in solving urgent problems, including in the economic sphere. “The EU remains a major trade and economic partner for Pridnestrovie. Our meeting takes place with you for the first time since reaching an agreement on the trade regime of Pridnestrovie with the European Union, which, I must emphasize, has been the positive news for our economic agents. The very fact of mutual understanding on this issue in a very difficult environment shows that we really are able to reach compromises,” - he said.
During the meeting, Vitaly Ignatiev noted that the Pridnestrovian side counts on no less active participation of the European Union in the negotiation process, which would help to develop constructive solutions to the existing problematic issues. According to the head of the Foreign Ministry of the PMR, against the backdrop of positive news in the trade and economic sphere the Pridnestrovian side has to note that new unilateral measures of pressure from neighbouring states have emerged.
“Unfortunately, the situation in the negotiations with Moldovan partners is in the stage of “a steep dive”. I emphasize that Pridnestrovie is aimed at the most efficient and transparent cooperation with the RM, which would rule out unilateral steps that worsen the well-being of people. I think we will manage jointly, including with the support of the European Union, to maintain the paradigm of dialogue, equality of the parties at the negotiation table,” - said Acting Minister.
So, during the discussion Vitaly Ignatiev drew the attention of the European side to the new discriminatory steps taken unilaterally by Moldova and Ukraine against Pridnestrovie. In particular, the head of the Pridnestrovian diplomacy expanded on the problem connected with Moldova and Ukraine’s intention to establish joint customs and border control at the checkpoint “Kuchurgan”. The diplomat reminded that the decision which was made outside the negotiation process and does not have the necessary legitimacy, can have a very negative impact on the economic agents of Pridnestrovie, the small business, it will result in new restrictions on freedom of movement of citizens and vehicles. “We consider these actions as counterproductive, dealing a blow to the very content of the negotiation process, the possible prospects for a normal dialogue as they relate to economic security, freedom of movement, as well as the personal security of our citizens,” - said Vitaly Ignatiev speaking to the media after the meeting.
The sides also exchanged views on a number of problematic aspects in the transport sector. The Pridnestrovian side informed the European colleagues about Moldova and Ukraine’s unilateral actions aimed at changing the mechanism of shipment of imported goods going to Pridnestrovie by rail which was operating for 11 years, this will provoke a significant loss of economic agents of Pridnestrovie. The meeting also touched on the new restrictions on vehicles, in particular, the facts of imposition of administrative sanctions in Ukraine of the owners of vehicles with Pridnestrovian number plates.
“We believe such actions are totally unacceptable as they affect, first and foremost, humanitarian issues, create specific problems for people. A significant number of motorists from Ukraine enter Pridnestrovie, as well as Pridnestrovians go to Ukraine, therefore, such restrictions, in which it is difficult to see a rational motivation, the Pridnestrovian side believes politically motivated,”- said Vitaly Ignatiev. As the head of the Pridnestrovian diplomacy noted after the meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent on those facts of the corresponding appeal to all participants in the “5+2” format.
Special attention was paid to the prospects of the negotiation process, in particular, increased interaction at the level of representatives on political issues and expert (working) groups of the parties.
The two sides agreed to continue direct contacts on a wide range of topical issues.
