The first meeting in 2026 between the political representatives of Chisinau and Tiraspol, in the 1+1 format, may take place soon. Preparations are underway on all key issues, including conditions for gas deliveries to the region. Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri made the statement on Wednesday, January 28, during the TV8 program “Novaia nedelia s Anatoliem Golia.”
Chiveri said the next meeting could again take place on the left bank of the Dniester, stressing that Chisinau, Tighina, Tiraspol, and Dubasari are all territories of Moldova. He agreed that many representatives of Tiraspol regularly use Chisinau International Airport for international travel, including trips to Russia, without fearing arrest under the law on separatism.
“Last year there was only one meeting. That is, of course, very little. We follow the public statements made by Mr. Ignatiev. What he said was taken out of context, and this is not the first time we hear accusations without real grounds. But this meeting must take place sooner or later. We are preparing for it. I will not speculate on the exact date, but I believe it will happen soon,” Chiveri said.
Earlier, Tiraspol diplomatic representative Vitalii Ignatiev accused Chisinau of blocking meetings between political representatives. He claimed the central authorities insist on rotating meeting locations and refuse to continue negotiations on the territory of the Transnistrian region. Over the past three years, meetings took place in the region, which led to a proposal to hold the next one in Chisinau. Ignatiev said he fears traveling to the right bank of the Dniester because of a possible arrest.
Chiveri confirmed that the latest proposal involved holding the meeting at the OSCE office in Chisinau.
“So far, we have not managed to convince our partners in Tiraspol to organize meetings in Chisinau, which is why we are considering several options,” he added.
Chiveri also said that despite the lack of formal meetings, contacts continue at different levels, including regular correspondence with Ignatiev. Communication channels remain open, and discussions focus on energy issues, free movement of goods, environmental protection, and other topics.
The Bureau for Reintegration said that over the past three years all meetings took place in Bender and Tiraspol, without respecting the rotation principle. According to the bureau, this situation violated procedural rules and complicated media coverage, as many journalists from the right bank faced difficulties entering the region.