Dear heads of state,

Let me greet you on my behalf and on behalf of President of Moldova Maia Sandu and thank the organizers, the CIS Executive Committee, for the organization and holding of the today’s meeting of the Council of heads of state of the Commonwealth of Independent States, held in the format of teleconference.

In the beginning of my career, I worked in more CIS member states and I have pleasant memories from Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, as well as Tajikistan. I am happy to participate in this online meeting.

This meeting is a good occasion to exchange opinions on up-to-date issues of interaction within CIS, as well as to openly speak about how we can make our cooperation more efficient within CIS, so that this cooperation brings positive results, which are to be felt in people’s daily life. I am sure that the citizens expect concrete and practical results from our organization.

The discussion about the development of our relations within CIS is particularly important now, in a significant moment for the organization’s development. As we know, the today’s meeting takes place on the eve of the 30th anniversary of CIS’ foundation.  

The last 30 years have been transition years for the states represented here and this period was not simple for us at all. Many countries have gone through difficulties, losses and conflicts. Moldova is not an exception in this respect. Yet, despite the hardships, the CIS platform makes possible the continuation of the dialogue between our countries and identifying solutions to current problems. We are here, we are ready to speak; we are open for a constructive dialogue.

According to the historical standards, 30 years is a relatively short period. Nevertheless, this is a not at all insignificant period in the context of a world in continuous change. In our opinion, an important task for us is to prepare the Commonwealth of Independent States for the realities and challenges of the time. We are sure that CIS has potential to become a more efficient and successful association, if its foremost goal will be the improvement of the well-being of the people from our countries.

I want to note that the approach of the new Moldova’s leadership is constantly aiming at a balanced foreign policy, taking into account the interests of our partners and promoting our own priorities. CIS is an important forum for us, as it opens for Moldova opportunities for efficient and mutually advantageous economic and commercial cooperation.  

We are interested in the further consolidation and development of the commercial relations within CIS, according to principles of equality and in mutually advantageous conditions. The markets of the countries from the Commonwealth of Independent States are well-known to Moldovan producers and exporters. We are ready to supply competitive and highly qualitative agricultural products, as well as industrial products. I am sure that our countries have a great potential for developing the bilateral relations, which have not been turned to good account so far. In my opinion, one of the CIS’ tasks is to fulfill this potential of the commercial and economic cooperation as fully as possible.    

Therefore, Moldova is always speaking about the importance of removing the obstacles to the mutual trade within the present mechanisms in the CIS area. We highly appreciate the opportunities provided by the CIS free trade zone and we would like to see this zone really free – without commercial restrictions, which, unfortunately, in the last years have been imposed on a string of Moldovan goods, the principal ones for our exporters.

In our opinion, the fact that Moldova has a free trade regime with the European Union is not an obstacle. On the contrary: we believe that this makes our country become more attractive for the partners from CIS, including as regards the opening of joint ventures, increasing investments and implementing mutually advantageous projects regarding various markets. We are confident that the future consists in openness for integration, uniting the free trade areas, in removing the barriers and impediments to the movement of goods, services and people, in the open and mutually advantageous cooperation, which enhances the well-being of our citizens and countries.    

Dear colleagues, heads of state and heads of delegations,  

In the last two years, we have experienced a new reality – the pandemic seriously hit our countries. In these difficult circumstances, the mutual understanding and solidarity become even more important.  

Taking advantage of this occasion, I would like to thank all our partners, including the colleagues from CIS, for the assistance provided and support for the efforts of the authorities from Moldova in the fight against COVID-19.  

The crisis triggered by the pandemic has a negative impact on the economies of our countries and on the economic situation of the entire region. In these conditions, it is important that we adopt joint measures, in order to boost the economic cooperation and strengthen the interaction in the fields of commerce, transports and communications.  

In this respect, we believe that our openness, understanding of the problems faced by the partners, as well as the willingness for mutual support are important. Moldova is interested in an efficient cooperation in the energy sector – and counts on the as quick as possible settlement of the problem of our country’s gas supply. I am sure that the approach we have proposed will find understanding at our partners.  

And certainly, CIS means not only economy. We appreciate our cooperation in the promotion of cultural values of our nations. I would like to stress our interest to continue our joint work within the programme, Cultural capitals of CIS. According to the plan, in 2023, the next forum will take place in our country, in Comrat.  

Dear colleagues,

We have a rich agenda at the today’s meeting of the council of heads of state. I wish everybody a fruitful work, meant to solve the practical problems and bring concrete results, which have a beneficial effect on the life and well-being of the citizens.  

Thank you for attention!