Moldova-UK Strategic Dialogue: third session, 2024
Published 30 April 2024
© Crown copyright 2024
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-moldova-strategic-dialogue-third-session-2024/moldova-uk-strategic-dialogue-third-session-2024
Joint statement by Nusrat Ghani MP, Minister for Europe for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Carolina Perebinos, State Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova. 30 April 2024
The third session of the Moldova-UK Strategic Dialogue was held in London on 30 April 2024. It was hosted by Minister for Europe, Nusrat Ghani MP and involved participation of the Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon Lord David Cameron, and the Minister for the Armed Forces, Leo Docherty MP.
The Delegation of Moldova was led by State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Carolina Perebinos and involved the participation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popșoi, and State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Valeriu Mija.
The Dialogue was established in the Strategic Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, signed at the end of 2020.
During the Dialogue, both sides discussed a wide range of topics of bilateral cooperation, which has intensified since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This includes a reinvigorated security and defence partnership, through reinforcement of Moldovan resilience to tackle threats such as cyber security vulnerabilities, as well as increasing law enforcement and criminal justice cooperation, exchanges of information to combat serious and organised crime, and support to defence reform.
It also involves UK support to Moldovan political and economic reform, notably on energy security, anti-corruption, democracy-building, private sector development, and independent media. And it includes a substantial UK humanitarian programme that ensures the basic needs of Ukrainian refugees and vulnerable Moldovans are being met whilst strengthening the national social protection system. Both sides took stock of the increased rhythm of ministerial engagement since last year’s Dialogue in Chisinau and welcomed the strong partnership and friendship our countries enjoy. The UK reiterated its support for Moldova’s efforts to join the European Union. Acknowledging that the temporary tariff liberalisation under the UK-Moldova Free Trade Agreement is due to expire on 31 July 2024, both parties are actively discussing its future.
Furthermore, acknowledging the importance of expanding and strengthening the existing solid bilateral legal framework, the sides reaffirmed their will to intensify discussions on the conclusion of an agreement on the conversion of driving licences and a returns agreement.
As Moldova prepares to hold presidential elections and a referendum on joining the European Union this autumn, the UK reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending Moldova’s democratic choice to pursue a path of freedom, independence, and sovereignty.
Both sides look forward to continuing engagement in 2024 and beyond.