INTERVIEW MOLDPRES // Moldovan foreign affairs minister says Moldova becoming stronger, more resilient, capable of counteracting Russia's interferences

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popsoi has given an interview exclusively with the MOLDPRES State News Agency, in which he discussed the priorities in the field of foreign policy, the Russian Federation's interferences with the internal affairs of Moldova and the process of organizing the parliamentary elections on September 28, 2025.

MOLDPRES: Presently, Moldova is in a very important political period. How has the country's foreign policy evolved in the context of the European integration process? With which states have we managed to establish very good cooperation relations and are there any countries towards which there are reservations?

Mihai Popsoi: It is certain that the European integration vector represents the strategic direction of the country's foreign policy and the achievements are already visible. The first EU- Moldova summit took place in Chisinau, where we hosted Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa. Some time ago, we hosted the major event – the European Political Community’s Summit, which represents a great success of our diplomacy and recognition of our achievements, the trust enjoyed by  Moldova among European leaders. As I was saying, we have excellent relations with absolutely all EU member countries, without exceptions, which gives us confidence in our European path.

At the same time, we are trying to be as ambitious as we can, to be present in regions where we have been absent, such as Central Asia. The opening of the new embassy in Astana gives the opportunity to strengthen political and economic relations with an important country like Kazakhstan and, in fact, with all Central Asian countries, with which we are connected with complicated past in the Soviet Union. The opportunities arising from the relationships we have from the past must be capitalized on in the interest of Moldova, in order to promote exports, attract investments, build bridges with our Diaspora.

The same can be said about the contacts we have made in the Middle East, where our relations were more modest. Nevertheless, we have managed to establish a good relationship with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. We have recently got a visa-free regime with the United Arab Emirates, which is a great achievement and success. We will continue to work to provide benefits to our citizens, including now we are in the process of finalizing negotiations on a mutual recognition of driving licenses for our citizens in the United Arab Emirates.

Also, last year we had an important success in relations with India, liberalizing exports of apples. Thus, the first batches of fruits have already been exported. We are working to be present in as wide a geographical area as possible, as citizens of Moldova are all around the world and need our support. Likewise, we are undertaking actions to promote our exports and attract investments.

So, we have excellent relations with absolutely all partners. There are certain objective difficulties in the relationship with the Russian Federation, as a result of the aggression against Ukraine, but we are working and hoping that soon we will have peace, a just and lasting peace, so that we can capitalize on regional economic opportunities, including those related to Ukraine. Nevertheless, the fact that we have managed to maintain peace and stability in Moldova, while advancing on our European agenda, is an achievement, and I am convinced that our citizens appreciate it.

Similarly, relations with the USA are very good. We have a strategic dialogue with American partners and the fact that the new Trump administration approved, at the beginning of the year, the opening of two consulates in Sacramento and Chicago, which have been expected by our citizens for decades, is a sign of political confidence on behalf of Washington or not every country is allowed to obtain approval to open a consulate in the USA, especially two concomitantly. At the same time, we have close cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and combating hybrid threats. We have a constant dialogue with American partners, in order to capitalize on the opportunities we have. Together, we will work to strengthen relations with as many states as possible, because this way we manage to obtain benefits for our citizens.

MOLDPRES: Russia is quite active concerning the political and economic realities in Moldova, we refer also to the case of Evghenia Guțul’s accusation and the case of Vladimir Plahotniuc. How can these interferences be described?

Mihai Popsoi: The Republic of Moldova is a sovereign, independent state, and we firmly condemn any interference with our internal affairs. Regretfully, we see these attempts on behalf of external forces and proxies to disrupt the political and social situation. It is clear that the days when Moscow told us what to do have passed long ago. Moldova knows what needs to be done and acts solely in the interest of its citizens.

Our country is under the protection of the great European family, where there is peace and prosperity. This is what our citizens want for their children and families, and attempts to divert us from this path by the Kremlin or other proxies will not succeed. We will respond every time in a certain and clear diplomatic way, defending the sovereignty and national interests of Moldova, as we have always done.

Thus, any intervention made by the Russian Federation or any proxy is their business. We know what needs to be done and the justice system of Moldova takes the necessary steps. We trust the national and international law system and we believe that this collaboration will bring results, so that those who infringed citizens’ interests are held accountable under the law.

MOLDPRES: Romania provides us with important support in the European integration process, carrying out of development projects, also well as through support actions announced in Brussels. How the relations between the two states are manifested internationally, in the context of cooperation on various platforms?

Mihai Popsoi: The European Union is the most important partner of Moldova and the fact that Romania has a significant voice in the EU helps us a lot. Romania is the main advocate and partner when it comes to promoting the country's interests. Every time we knew we could count on our neighbors from across the Prut and this has confirmed; therefore, we are extremely grateful to friends and brothers from Bucharest. Our citizens certainly appreciate this support, be it political-diplomatic support from Brussels and European capitals, or concrete, tangible infrastructure projects. For 30 years, we have talked nostalgically about the Flower Bridge; now, we are building real bridges to bring the two banks of the Prut closer, in order to contribute to the economic development and provide development opportunities in our villages and cities.

Moldova and Romania have a close partnership to strengthen cooperation in all sectors - economic, social projects, or the energy field. Probably the most important project in the recent history of Moldova, carried out with European and Romanian support, is the country's interconnection to the European energy market through Romania. Thanks to this, we will be in a completely new situation, one where we become a transit country for energy resources, a country that no longer depends on external factors and can no longer be blackmailed as it has been, unfortunately, for many years.

We firmly believe that our citizens appreciate this progress, as it is about far-reaching, strategic projects that transform the political and economic reality in Moldova, making us much stronger and more resilient. All these investments bring economic benefits and contribute to the security of Moldova, for energy security is the foundation of national security.

MOLDPRES: You travel a lot and meet Moldovans settled abroad; what do you discuss with them?

Mihai Popsoi: We talk about everything with our citizens from the Diaspora. There are no taboo subjects when we meet those from home or abroad. Usually, we have a brief introduction about our successes or difficulties, followed by an open dialogue, so that we answer citizens' questions about foreign policy, domestic policy, economy or security.

People often ask about consular services, which is an extremely important topic for them. Thus, authorities provide more convenient opportunities to get these services. Consular fees have been cut and new consulates have been opened. Soon, we will launch a new program - E-Consulate, to make the procedure of providing services even easier, removing unnecessary trips to the embassy or consulate. Thus, most documents will be obtainable online. The service is in the testing phase and will be available for all diplomatic missions.

Our citizens, even if they are far from home, are always with heart and soul in  Moldova. Therefore, the state must meet them, giving the right to access all consular services in a conveniently, easily, efficiently and quickly, as it should naturally be.

Many of our citizens, especially those from the European Union, appreciate and support our goal of being part of the great European family. Sure, there are also those more skeptical, which is a natural thing in a democratic space, but we saw at the constitutional referendum, both here in the country and in the Diaspora, massive support for the European way of the country. Thus, we will continue to work, in order to maintain and grow this level of trust. With upcoming EU integration, living standards here at home will rise and more infrastructure projects will be implemented.

I am happy that we enjoy support and a strong partnership with the European Union countries. It's hard to be against the EU, because it helps us have lower invoices for electricity, while the Russian Federation, through energy blackmail and the macabre war in Ukraine, has caused energy resource prices to rise. As the popular saying goes, a friend in need is a friend indeed and indeed the EU countries, as well as the USA, Canada, Japan, or Norway, support us and our citizens undoubtedly appreciate this help.

MOLDPRES: In recent times, Moldova has opened more diplomatic missions abroad. What are the most requested services?

Mihai Popsoi: Consular services are well known; the most requested are the drafting of powers of attorney and identity documents. However, the embassy is created not only to provide consular services, which are very important, but also to strengthen political and economic relations with host countries.

Next year, it would be of great interest to open an Embassy in Egypt, a very large country, with economic potential for our products. Likewise, we want to open an Embassy in South Korea, a very strong and developed country.

We were quite pleased to succeed this year in opening an embassy in Kazakhstan and also the two consulates in the United States, again an extremely important decision for the bilateral relationship with the USA.

MOLDPRES: On September 28, 2025, parliamentary elections will be held. How many polling stations will be opened abroad? In which countries will the most polling stations be organized, and is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ready to contribute to the good holding of the elections?

Mihai Popsoi: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by virtue of its mandate, is and will be ready to ensure the proper organization of the elections, as we have always done. This year, the initial proposal was for 294 polling stations. The Central Electoral Commission will make the final decision and we have based it on citizens' participation in previous elections, in order to give them the opportunity to participate in elections as easily as possible and not have to travel too far.

At the same time, voting by mail has been introduced, allowing people to exercise their right, as well as obligation which they have, to participate in political processes at home. The right to vote is sacred, and these elections are also about our citizens' constitutional rights.

Some of our colleagues in the opposition unequivocally say that, if they had the chance, they would limit, or maybe even eliminate the right to vote for the Diaspora, because our citizens abroad are not swayed by propaganda and do not vote for pro-Russian parties.

We have every confidence in the mobilization our citizens will prove, both those at home and those who have left. The economic support provided by the Diaspora gives them not only the legal, but also the moral and legitimate right to participate in political processes at home, something the pro-Russian opposition neglects.

At the previous elections, 60 polling stations were opened in Italy, registering nearly 100,000 votes. In Germany, there were almost 50,000 votes, in France, the UK, and Romania – 35,000 votes. There is great potential in these countries. We have an active Diaspora and we will certainly give all our citizens the opportunity to vote in a secure, transparent space, in accordance with international standards and good practices.

MOLDPRES: Voting by mail is a new experience for Moldova. This year, this way will be applied in 10 countries. What should a citizen who will vote by mail know?

Mihai Popsoi: The registration period ends on August 14. By this date, all our citizens in the 10 countries where voting by mail is applicable must register on the CEC’s page, in order to receive the voting slip envelope and then return it in due time to be processed.

We already have about 1,500 registrations. We hope very much this number will grow. Voting by mail is a useful experience, providing additional opportunities for citizens living in regions farther from polling stations. This is a benefit that must be leveraged and we hope a large number of citizens will make use of this right.

MOLDPRES: Recently, the EU approved a package of sanctions against several individuals and legal entities close to Ilan Shor. What measures will be applied to these political actors and how will they contribute to reducing their influence in Moldova?

Mihai Popsoi: These legal sanctions serve as a measure to reduce the perception of impunity that some believe they have, as international sanctions and their applicability in Moldova make nothing but contribute to ensuring the rule of law and defending our citizens' interests from those undermining the country's stability, sovereignty and acting in foreign interests.

International mechanisms, as well as the justice system of Moldova, as already seen, will hold accountable all those violating citizens' rights and undermining stability and peace in Moldova.

There are various legal measures the legal system applies, so that those who broke the law can't enjoy this impunity. Each citizen who broke the law, whether in Moldova or fugitives, will be held accountable before justice, including through international sanctions’ mechanisms.

Our international partners, I mean the European Union or other partners, act to discourage actions detrimental to our national interest. It is about destabilizing actions, meant to create instability in Moldova.

MOLDPRES: In the context of the nearing parliamentary elections, authorities signal hybrid attacks and interferences from Russia, including with the electoral process. How will Moldova protect itself from these influences?

Mihai Popsoi: Moldova is becoming more resilient, increasingly stronger, and capable of counteracting the Russian Federation's interferences. Nevertheless, we continue to have vulnerabilities, we do not hide this fact. Not a day passes without news about attempts to derail Moldova from its ordinary path, from its stable democratic process, European integration, through propaganda, fake news, including the use of modern technologies. It is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish lies from truth and propaganda from reality. That's why, a consolidated effort on behalf of the whole society, journalists, civil society and citizens is needed, in order to avoid falling into the trap of these actors, who want us harm, want us divided.

They want more chaos, more hatred in Moldova and the intensity of hybrid attacks, fake news and propaganda is increasing, alongside efforts to divide society, sow hatred. At the same time, our citizens' immunity is growing, as they have shown that they know how to separate wheat from chaff, know what's best for their families, for their communities and we have every belief they will not be lured by these sirens' songs. We will work to help our citizens not to fall into the propagandists and foreign actors' snares.

MOLDPRES: You mentioned vulnerabilities, can we describe the Transnistrian region as a vulnerability?

Mihai Popsoi: Certainty, there is a vulnerability, as long as we have foreign troops on the territory of Moldova, while pro-Russian parties pretend not to see and always hide when it comes to enforcing Moldova's sovereignty and capitalizing on it.

At the same time, we must say that, in these almost four years since the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine began, we have managed to keep peace and calm in Moldova, including in the Transnistrian region, even in the most complicated moments of energy crises, artificially created by the Kremlin. We had an open dialogue with those from the left bank of the Dniester and the European Union, and that support was proposed.

We will continue this constant dialogue, in order to maintain peace and calm in  Moldova. This vulnerability in our relationship with the so-called authorities from the left bank of the Dniester represents an opportunity in the context of European integration, namely the benefits provided by the European integration - to achieve peaceful reintegration. We are open to offering all the benefits we receive in the European integration process to our fellow citizens from the left bank of the Dniester, as long as these things run parallel with peaceful reintegration, as it naturally should occur.

It is obvious to everyone that Russia wants Moldova not to progress, not be a democratic, prosperous country – part of the great European family, but a vulnerable country, weak, at the mercy of geopolitical winds. Unfortunately, there are political actors who have built a career in undermining the Republic of Moldova and sabotaging all that sovereignty and independence mean, for the sake of personal or group benefits which they receive from sponsors in the Kremlin.

Our citizens see this, understand it, and have repeatedly penalized such actions, detrimental to the national interest. Therefore, we are firmly convinced that, in this crucial election for the future, our citizens will know how to make the right choice, know not to be manipulated, lured, bought, but to vote in their interest, in the interest of their children and families.

The European Union has proved and continues to demonstrate, by the generous support it provides, that it wishes us good. In contrast, the Russian Federation also daily proves, through the horrors we see in Ukraine and unfriendly actions towards Moldova, that it undermines our economy, affects our security, energetically blackmails us, attacks us through these hybrid instruments, trying to embroil us, divide us, sow chaos in Moldova.

Only in the great European family, can we shelter Moldova, create the welfare that our fellows on the European continent enjoy. It will be extremely difficult, a tough battle, our resources are limited, those of the Kremlin are much larger, but we are firmly sure that, in the end, people will know how to make this difference, because their future depends on the capacity to discern, to vote consciously, informed, for the future of our country.

MOLDPRES: What are your forecasts in the field of the country's foreign policy for the forthcoming period?

Mihai Popsoi: We have a clearly determined agenda - to advance on the European integration path and we firmly believe our European partners will continue to support us on this path. In 2-3 years, we must finalize the negotiation process, so that, in the current European Commission's mandate and the next Parliament’s mandate, we manage not only to finalize, but also ratify the European Union Accession Agreement. Meanwhile, we stay ambitious and open to new horizons, for the interests of Moldova are everywhere in the world where our citizens are, where there are economic and political opportunities. It is obvious that we need to be much more present in Central Asia and the Middle East, where there is huge economic potential.

Of course, we should start building bridges on the African continent, perhaps starting with Egypt, Morocco, and other states with interest in our products. Certainly, it would be useful to be present in Latin America, where we have no diplomatic mission, but there is great economic potential there too.

We take things step by step, calculate resources, prioritize where there are bigger opportunities and we are firmly convinced that, as long as there is support on behalf of citizens, we will continue to work to capitalize on all external and internal policy opportunities, so that our people can enjoy these benefits. The title our country received – a small country with a big heart, honors us, and we will continue working to maintain this trust of international partners and our citizens, both at home and in the Diaspora.

Mr. Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi, thank you for the interview.

Reporter: Ala Ciobanu.