New Head of OSCE Mission to Moldova takes office

Christopher W. Smith took office today as Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, following his appointment by the Swiss OSCE Chairman-in-Office. He will also serve as the OSCE mediator in the Transnistrian settlement process, according to the OSCE Mission to the Republic of Moldova.


“I am honoured to assume the role of Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova at this important time for the Transdniestrian settlement process. I look forward to working closely with the authorities in Chisinau and Tiraspol, as well as with the other participants in the 5+2 format, to support constructive dialogue and advance efforts towards a comprehensive and peaceful resolution of the Transdniestrian conflict. I look forward to building on the Mission’s long-standing efforts to promote confidence, foster practical co-operation, and deliver tangible benefits for people on both banks of the Dniester River," said Smith. 


He noted that he intends to continue the OSCE Mission’s efforts to build confidence and promote practical cooperation between the two banks of the Dniester so that people can concretely benefit from these efforts.

Before joining the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Christopher W. Smith served at the U.S. Department of State as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. From 2022 to 2023, he was Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.

A career diplomat and member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor, Smith has also served in Georgia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Cyprus, and as Deputy Chief of Mission in Armenia. In Washington, he has held leadership positions at the Department of State and the National Security Council.

Christopher W. Smith succeeds Ambassador Kelly Keiderling, who completed her term as Head of Mission in September 2025. The OSCE Mission to Moldova was led by Izabela Sylwia Hartmann as Acting Head of Mission until Smith began his duties.

The priority of the OSCE Mission to Moldova is to help achieve a comprehensive and sustainable political settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders, with a special status for the Transnistrian region.

The mandate of the OSCE Mission to Moldova is supported and renewed by all 57 OSCE participating States, including the Republic of Moldova.