As our agency has already reported, today the acting minister of foreign affairs, Vitaliy Ignatyev, has hold the briefing for journalists.
Besides the dialogue with Kishinev, among the priorities of Pridnestrovie's foreign policy is also the development of relations with the Russian Federation, which is indicated as the chief priority in the Concept for Foreign Policy.
«We will implement the strategic priorities stipulated in the Concept for Foreign Policy during our negotiations with Moldova and within the framework of the Eurasian integration, i.e. development of close relations with Russia. In recent years — 2013−2015 — we have formed a profound statutory and regulatory basis for the development of relations with Russia within the framework of the protocol signed by Dmitriy Rogozin and Yevgeny Shevchuk," said Vitaliy Ignatyev in the interview. «There are 15 inter-agency bilateral agreements which lay the foundations for the sectoral development of communication with Russia on a number of issues, including economy, social and humanitarian issues, healthcare, and education. I think we'll give concrete substance to our work. Certainly, Russia is playing a very important role for Pridnestrovie. This is why the development of relations with the Russian Federation is still our chief priority although, owing to reasons beyond our control (e.g. Ukrainian crisis), we are having difficulty in keeping contacts with Russia.»
Vitaliy Ignatyev mentioned in this regard the two cases of the deportation of Russian citizens by the Moldovan authorities, including peacekeepers going to the place of their service in Pridnestrovie. The minister also noted that Pridnestrovie would continue its efforts towards joining of Pridnestrovian enterprises to Russia's import substitution programme. According to the foreign minister, such agreements have been reached at different levels. «Of course, I cannot disclose everything, but some concrete results will be revealed," said Vitaliy Ignatyev on this issue.
Pridnestrovie's MFA is also going to continue its relations with Kiev as a mediator and guarantor in the negotiation process on the Pridnestrovian settlement. «As far as we know, soon Ukraine's new ambassador to Moldova will take up his post. We are in touch with the Ukrainian embassy, and I believe Ukraine will define its position as for its special representative in the negotiation process," said Vitaliy Ignatyev.
According to him, we will develop our relations with South Ossetia and Nagorny Karabakh. «We have common understanding of values, common ideals of justice. We also have certain diplomatic and inter-agency agreements. We intend to further develop them at a maximum level. This concerns the media and public diplomacy, which has never lost its relevance," said the acting foreign minister.
«All the trends stipulated in the foreign policy concept will be implemented. Of course, the Pridnestrovian diplomats count on the understanding and support of citizens and the media since only unity will allow us to achieve the goals we have set," concluded Vitaliy Ignatyev.
