July 4, 2025, Bern – A new round of interministerial political consultations between the Republic of Moldova and the Swiss Confederation took place today in Bern. The discussions were co-chaired by Carolina Perebinos, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, and Muriel Peneveyre, Deputy State Secretary and Head of the Eurasia Division of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
During her visit to Bern, State Secretary Carolina Perebinos also held a bilateral meeting with Alexandre Fasel, State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland. The officials reaffirmed the positive dynamic of Moldovan–Swiss relations and expressed a mutual interest in deepening bilateral cooperation.
Throughout the consultations, both sides assessed progress in bilateral cooperation and reiterated their commitment to strengthening political dialogue, economic partnership, and sectoral collaboration. The Moldovan delegation appreciated Switzerland’s consistent support for Moldova’s modernization process, including through the launch of the new Swiss Cooperation Programme for 2025–2028.
The delegations emphasized the importance of enhancing economic ties, focusing on attracting investments and promoting exports, particularly by leveraging the potential of the Free Trade Agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries.
An important topic discussed was the recently signed bilateral Agreement on Social Protection. Both parties confirmed the advancement of internal ratification procedures and emphasized the positive impact of the agreement on citizens who have worked in both countries.
The consultations also included an exchange of views on the regional security situation, agreeing on the need for cooperation in strengthening resilience, combating corruption, and countering hybrid threats.
In the context of Switzerland’s upcoming Chairmanship of the OSCE in 2026, the Moldovan delegation provided an update on the Transnistrian settlement process and outlined Moldova’s priorities regarding reintegration efforts, including addressing current challenges faced by citizens and human rights concerns. The importance of active international engagement in supporting regional stability and security was reiterated. Both parties agreed to maintain close dialogue on this issue.
Additionally, the Moldovan delegation presented the key priorities of the Moldovan Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which the country will assume from November 2025 to May 2026.
The two delegations also expressed appreciation for their close cooperation in international organizations, including mutual support for each other’s candidacies for positions within UN elective bodies.
At the conclusion of the consultations, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to developing a sustainable partnership, grounded in mutual trust, shared values, and active political dialogue.
