Kiver met with the EU's special representative for Transdniestria: What was discussed?

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Kiver met with the European Union's special representative for the Transdniestria issue, Audrone Perkauskiene, on 1 Temmuz. During the meeting, the reintegration of the Transdniestria region, the human rights situation in the region, and the problems faced by people living on both banks of the Dniester River were discussed. The EU Ambassador to Moldova, Ivona Piorko, also attended the meeting. According to a statement from the Reintegration Bureau, the parties conducted a comprehensive dialogue on these issues.

One of the main agenda items of the meeting was the process of reintegrating the Transdniestria region into Moldova. Kiver and Perkauskiene evaluated the steps that need to be taken for this process to proceed in a peaceful and inclusive manner. In particular, they exchanged views on accelerating the political and economic integration in the region and increasing cooperation with the separatist administration. While the EU representative reiterated the European Union's support for this process, Kiver also emphasized the Moldovan government's determination.

The issue of human rights also formed an important part of the meeting. The situation of the fundamental rights and freedoms of those living in Transdniestria, especially concerns in areas such as freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and minority rights, were addressed. The parties agreed on the need to work together to prevent human rights violations in the region and resolve existing problems. In addition, the daily problems faced by people living on both banks of the Dniester, such as freedom of travel, trade barriers, and educational opportunities, were also brought to the table.

During the meeting, the EU's role in resolving the Transdniestria issue was also evaluated. Perkauskiene reiterated that the EU would continue its mediation efforts and its support for Moldova's territorial integrity. Kiver, drawing attention to the importance of the EU's contributions in this process, called for further cooperation, especially regarding economic development and confidence-building measures. The meeting concluded with a decision to continue regular dialogue between the parties.

This meeting is considered an indicator of the close cooperation between Moldova and the EU. The Transdniestria issue is a conflict area that has been ongoing since the early 1990s and has not yet been resolved. By providing both political and economic support during this process, the EU is making efforts for a peaceful solution. The Kiver-Perkauskiene meeting, as part of these efforts, went down in history as an important step taken towards ensuring stability in the region and increasing the welfare of the people.