June 28, 2021, Ljubljana - A new round of Moldovan-Slovenian interministerial political consultations took place in Ljubljana. The Moldovan delegation was led by Secretary of State Dumitru Socolan, and the Slovenian delegation by Jernej Müller, Director of Common Foreign Policy and Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia. On the sidelines of the political consultations, Secretary of State Dumitru Socolan had a meeting with his Slovenian counterpart, Dr. Stanislav Raščan.
The agenda of the talks included topical issues, in particular the process of European integration of the Republic of Moldova, cooperation within international organizations, regional security and developments in the Transnistrian conflict settlement process, as well as other topics of mutual interest.
Taking into account the fact that European integration is the main objective of the foreign policy of the Republic of Moldova, Dumitru Socolan reviewed the main aspects of the dialogue with the EU, focusing on the state of reforms in key areas and reiterated the expectations of the Republic of Moldova from the future Eastern Partnership Summit, also during the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, noting that the efforts of the relevant authorities are focused on the implementation of the provisions of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.
At the same time, the Secretary of State highlighted that the Republic of Moldova supports the agenda of priorities of the future Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, in particular, the promotion in the Eastern Partnership of policies to ensure security and stability in the European neighborhood, institutional development, as well as the achievement of the goal of sustainable development and climate neutrality.
During the consultations, the Transnistrian issue was also addressed, the both parts reaffirmed their commitment to identify a comprehensive, peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict, based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within internationally recognized borders.
In addition, the interlocutors reiterated the importance of cooperation within international and regional structures. At the multilateral level, the UN openness was expressed for the establishment of bilateral mutual support arrangements in UN elective bodies.
Officials also reviewed developments in the epidemiological situation in both states and the progress of immunization programs. On this subject, Secretary of State Dumitru Socolan stated the interest of the Moldovan side in the mutual recognition of national vaccination certificates against COVID – 19, in order to facilitate the unrestricted movement of inoculated citizens from both countries.
