Foreign

- How would you characterize the current state of cooperation between Moldova and Azerbaijan in key areas?

- I would describe the relationship between the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Azerbaijan as a dynamic, steadily developing partnership. In recent years, we have observed consistent progress across all dimensions of the bilateral agenda – from political dialogue and economic cooperation to energy, culture and people-to-people contacts.

At the highest level, a meeting took place between the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, and the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Copenhagen. The leaders reaffirmed their interest in deepening cooperation and exchanged views on the regional situation, paying particular attention to energy security and the development of transport connectivity.

Additionally, an important meeting was held between Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popșoi, and Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, within the framework of the Munich Security Conference. The parties discussed the dynamics of Moldova–Azerbaijan cooperation and emphasized the importance of regular political consultations and the active work of the joint intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation.

The key event of the year was the sixth meeting of the Moldova–Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation held in Baku, alongside a parallel business forum. Moldova’s Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, held extensive talks with Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Ali Asadov as well as the ministers of energy, economy, agriculture, digital development and transport.

Energy is a sector of special importance. Moldova was represented at the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor, the 3rd Ministerial Council on “Green Energy,” and the 30th Baku Energy Week at the level of the minister and state secretary. These meetings enabled further advancement of dialogue on supply diversification, the resilience of energy systems and our country’s participation in regional projects.

Humanitarian ties are also actively developing: cultural projects are implemented, events are organized with diaspora participation, Moldovan jazz groups perform at the Baku Jazz Festival, and works of classical Moldovan literature are published in Azerbaijani. All of this adds a vibrant, human dimension to our relations.

- What areas do you consider priorities for strengthening bilateral relations?

- I see several clear priority areas. First is energy and energy security. This is a strategic issue for Moldova: we are gradually reducing dependence on a single supplier and strengthening our resilience to external pressure. Azerbaijan, as a key participant in the Southern Gas Corridor and a promoter of “green energy” initiatives, plays a particularly important role in this regard.

Second is the agro-industrial complex. Moldova has strong export potential in viticulture, horticulture, walnuts, dried fruits and ecological crop protection products. Azerbaijan, in turn, stands out with its large agro-parks and modern logistics capabilities. Several projects are already underway – the participation of Moldovan companies in the Caspian Agro exhibition, projects on plant protection, the establishment of vineyards with Moldovan grape varieties in Shamakhi, and others.

Third is transport and logistics. Azerbaijan is a central link in the East–West Middle Corridor as well as the North–South route. Moldova’s integration into these chains enhances our transit role and creates new opportunities for business. The daily operation of direct Baku–Chișinău flights also strengthens these connections.

Fourth is digital transformation and innovation – the exchange of expertise in e-government, IT-parks and the digital economy.

Lastly, culture, education and diaspora engagement – spheres that form the long-term foundation of trust between our peoples.

Prospects for cooperation

- What new projects in the fields of economy, energy, transport and culture are planned for the near future?

- There are several priority directions. First, we are preparing for the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission, which will be held in Chișinău in 2026 under the rotation principle. We want the meeting to be not only political in nature but also a large business forum with sectoral panels on energy, agriculture, transport and the digital economy.

In the energy sector, the main priority is the implementation of projects under the memorandum of cooperation on renewable energy signed between the relevant institutions of both countries. We are interested in attracting Azerbaijani companies to solar and wind energy projects in Moldova, modernizing grids and participating in regional “green energy” export initiatives.

In agriculture, we plan to expand the presence of Moldovan wines, walnuts, dried fruits, canned goods and ecological plant protection products on the Azerbaijani market. At the same time, Moldovan producers are interested in Azerbaijan’s experience in agro-parks and irrigation systems – joint ventures and technology exchange are possible here.

In transport, discussions are underway on expanding the use of direct Baku–Chișinău flights, liberalizing road freight transport and developing multimodal routes.

In cultural and humanitarian cooperation, we plan to expand the participation of Moldovan artistic groups in festivals in Baku, implement literary translation projects and broaden youth and academic exchange programs.

Business and diaspora

- How do you assess the role of business and the diaspora in the development of bilateral relations?

- The role of business and the diaspora is decisive. Diplomatic services create the political and legal framework, but it is entrepreneurs, universities, creative groups and citizens who fill this framework with real substance.

The Moldovan diaspora in Azerbaijan, although not large in number, is very active. Our compatriots participate in charity fairs, present Moldovan cuisine and wines, help promote national products on the Azerbaijani market, and take part in events such as Independence Day, Romanian Language Day and Easter.

Interest from Azerbaijani businesses in Moldova is also growing, particularly in agriculture, logistics, energy and IT. The embassy’s task is to align these interests with Moldova’s opportunities, support projects and help businesses find reliable partners.

Azerbaijan, as a multiethnic and multiconfessional country, has rich experience in ensuring peaceful coexistence among different communities. This experience is particularly valuable for Moldova as we work to strengthen the integration of national minorities through regional development, job creation, and support for culture and education.

Joint projects in agriculture, logistics and energy, as well as the participation of diasporas in cultural and charitable events and youth exchanges, create new opportunities for regions with a dense ethnic minority population, including Gagauzia.

Regional development, access to European initiatives and cooperation with partners reduce the space vulnerable to radical or anti-democratic influences. In this sense, Moldova–Azerbaijan cooperation objectively contributes to our country’s internal stability.

Political dialogue and international cooperation

- How do Moldova and Azerbaijan cooperate within international platforms such as the UN, OSCE or GUAM?

- Our cooperation on international platforms is based on shared principles: respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, the inadmissibility of changing borders by force and the primacy of international law.

Within the UN, OSCE and the Council of Europe, Moldova and Azerbaijan support each other on many issues – from the rights of internally displaced persons and the peaceful settlement of conflicts to energy security and sustainable development.

GUAM plays a special role. Together with Georgia and Ukraine, we advance the agenda of regional security, transport and energy connectivity, digitalization and economic development. In this format, challenges related to separatism and foreign interference are openly discussed and joint solutions are sought.

- How important is political dialogue with Azerbaijan for Moldova in the broader context of regional stability?

- Political dialogue with Azerbaijan is of strategic importance for Moldova. Firstly, we are located within the same geopolitical space between the European Union and the Black Sea–Caspian region. The consequences of the war in Ukraine, shifts in energy and transport routes and the emergence of new corridors directly affect both Moldova and Azerbaijan. Regular dialogue allows us to protect our interests more effectively and contribute to overall stability.

Secondly, both countries have faced problems related to violations of territorial integrity at various periods. While approaches differ, the main principle remains unchanged – respect for internationally recognized borders. Mutual support in this issue is important for bilateral relations and for the regional security architecture.

Energy

- Considering Azerbaijan’s energy potential, is Moldova exploring deeper cooperation in this field? Are supplies of Azerbaijani gas or electricity under discussion?

- Yes, energy is one of the most important and promising areas of our cooperation.

Following the Russian Federation’s large-scale aggression against Ukraine, Moldova rapidly diversified its sources of gas and electricity. We synchronized with the European ENTSO-E system, increased supplies via Romania and expanded the use of the European gas market and the infrastructure of neighboring countries.

In this context, Azerbaijan is regarded as a key potential partner both in natural gas supply and in “green energy.”

Moldova is currently discussing the possibility of participating in regional initiatives that envisage gas purchases from several suppliers, including Azerbaijan. We are also examining the prospect of joining the Azerbaijan–Georgia–Romania–EU “green” electricity export project.

Additionally, Moldova is considering ways to utilize gas storage facilities and interconnectors as part of a broader regional energy security architecture. Our goal is not only to purchase energy resources but also to integrate into a stable, diversified energy system in which Azerbaijan plays a major role.

The Transnistrian conflict and Azerbaijan’s experience

- Moldova continues to face the Transnistrian conflict. Can Azerbaijan’s experience in restoring control over its territories be useful for Moldova? How important is the exchange of experience and support on issues of territorial integrity?

- Every conflict has its own specifics, and Moldova is firmly committed to resolving the Transnistrian issue exclusively through peaceful, political and diplomatic means. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan’s restoration of control over its territories and its post-conflict reconstruction efforts are undoubtedly of interest to us.

We closely follow Azerbaijan’s projects in the liberated territories regarding infrastructure restoration, demining, the return of internally displaced persons and creating conditions for life and development. The mechanisms for attracting investment, creating jobs, ensuring security and promoting social reintegration are particularly important for us.

The exchange of experience and mutual support on territorial integrity is also politically significant. Moldova and Azerbaijan consistently support each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, oppose the legitimization of separatist entities and reject the stationing of foreign troops without the host country’s consent. This is our joint contribution to strengthening the regional security regime.

Gagauzia and Moldova’s internal affairs

- How do you assess the situation in Gagauzia and the role of this region in Moldova’s political and social life?

- Gagauzia is an integral part of the Republic of Moldova – an autonomy with a special status established by law and recognized by all major political forces. The Gagauz population has made, and continues to make, a substantial contribution to Moldova’s economic, cultural and social development.

At the same time, Moldova’s President, parliament and government have repeatedly noted that our country is facing serious hybrid threats, including Russian disinformation, interference in domestic processes and the illegal financing of political projects. Certain political figures and structures in Gagauzia, coordinated with fugitive oligarchs and external influence centers, have become involved in these schemes.

Chișinău’s official position is that the rights and interests of Gagauzia’s residents must be protected through constructive dialogue with the central authorities, infrastructure and economic development, access to quality education and healthcare, and participation in national and European programs. We strongly oppose the autonomy being used as a tool of external interference or to undermine Moldova’s statehood.

Elections in Moldova

- What key points would you highlight regarding the recent elections in Moldova?

- The 28 September parliamentary elections were a major test of the resilience of Moldova’s democratic institutions under unprecedented external pressure.

The first key point was Russia’s large-scale hybrid interference. Moldova’s President Maia Sandu, the parliament and government leadership, and the Supreme Security Council repeatedly stated that our country was facing a hybrid war involving disinformation, media manipulation, the illegal financing of political forces, voter bribery, paid protests and activities aimed at undermining trust in state institutions.

The second point is that despite all this pressure, the citizens of Moldova reaffirmed their democratic and European choice. International observers deemed the elections competitive and noted that identified violations did not affect the overall results.

The third point is clear public expectations regarding the outcomes. Moldovan citizens expect not only confirmation of the geopolitical course but also tangible results in combating corruption, strengthening security, raising living standards and modernizing the economy and infrastructure.

The elections confirmed Moldova’s strategic course toward deepening European integration, strengthening democratic institutions and increasing resilience to hybrid threats. This is the conscious choice of our citizens.

In foreign policy, this means predictability and continuity:

• We will strengthen relations with the European Union and its member states;
• We will develop our strategic partnership with Romania and friendly relations with Ukraine;
• And of course, we will continue to deepen cooperation with Azerbaijan, a reliable partner in energy, trade, transport, regional security and humanitarian fields.

For Baku, the election results are an important signal that Moldova is a stable and predictable partner with whom long-term projects can be planned.

The war in Ukraine and its impact on Moldova

- How do you assess the economic, political and social impact of the war in Ukraine on Moldova?

- Russia’s large-scale aggression against Ukraine is one of the most serious challenges Moldova has faced since independence.

Economically, we confronted the disruption of traditional logistics chains, an energy shock, sharp increases in gas and electricity prices and inflationary pressure. With the support of the European Union, Romania, Ukraine and other partners, Moldova was able to adapt through supply diversification, strengthening financial stability and reconfiguring export-import flows.

Politically, the war accelerated our European course. Moldova obtained EU candidate status, launched accession negotiations and expanded reforms in justice, security and anti-corruption. Institutions for countering disinformation and hybrid threats were also strengthened.

Socially, Moldova welcomed a significant number of Ukrainian refugees, providing them access to education, medical services and the labor market. Although this was a major challenge for a small country with limited resources, it demonstrated our society’s solidarity and humanitarian commitment.

Chișinău’s position is clear and unchanged: Moldova condemns Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, supports the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and recognizes that our country’s security and sustainable development depend directly on the outcome of this war.

- How can Moldova and Azerbaijan cooperate to ensure regional security and stability amid an ongoing war in a neighboring territory?

- There are several areas where we are already cooperating and can further strengthen collaboration. First, political coordination and mutual support on international platforms – within the UN, OSCE, GUAM and other formats, we jointly defend international law, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inadmissibility of illegal annexations.

Second, strengthening the energy security of Europe and the region. The increasing role of Azerbaijan’s energy resources and the development of “green energy” projects reduce the possibilities for energy blackmail and make our countries and partners more resilient to external pressure.

Third, developing transport and trade corridors – this helps diversify supply routes and bypass conflict zones. The East–West Middle Corridor, the North–South route and the development of port, railway and road infrastructure enhance the economic resilience of Moldova, Azerbaijan and Ukraine.

Fourth, cooperation in combating hybrid threats: protecting critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, countering disinformation and the illegal financing of political activities. Both Moldova and Azerbaijan face attempts at external interference in their internal processes, making joint efforts natural and necessary.

I am confident that with such a comprehensive agenda – from energy and transport to hybrid threats and humanitarian cooperation – our countries can make a significant contribution to the security and stability of our shared region.