Norway commends Ambassador Izabela Sylwia Hartmann and her team for their
steadfast dedication, comprehensive report, and excellent presentation here today. We strongly support the Mission and its leadership. Their tireless work to build trust, enhance cooperation, and address critical challenges on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River truly exemplify the core values of the OSCE.
We are encouraged by the Mission’s continued emphasis on practical measures that deliver tangible benefits to people’s lives. Through activities ranging from the safe removal of hazardous chemicals to improving access to health care and civil status documentation for people on both banks, the Mission demonstrates that even in a context of protracted conflict, cooperation remains not only possible, but indispensable for security, prosperity, and the protection of human dignity. These principles lie at the very core of this Organisation.
We share the concerns about the ongoing attempts by Moscow and its proxies to undermine the integrity of Moldova’s democratic processes, as witnessed during the elections in 2024 and 2025. The dissemination of disinformation and other destabilising measures risks eroding trust in democratic institutions, contributing to regional instability, and impeding necessary reforms to strengthen the security and well-being of the Moldovan population.
Moldova stands as a positive example of how effective cooperation between government institutions and civil society can contribute to building resilient local communities capable at countering disinformation.
Continued support for the Moldovan authorities’ efforts to ensure a safe, stable and democratic Moldova is essential for European security and for advancing the country’s European integration. In this context, Norway will upgrade its diplomatic presence in Chisinau to a fully-fledged embassy from autumn 2026. This step will strengthen our ability to follow up on the Norwegian economic support to Moldova through the Nansen program, and to further reinforce our long-term political commitment to the country.
Norway will continue to express our full support for the work and mandate of the Mission, and will evidently support the extension of the mandate.
Thank you.