Moldova–Switzerland relations

Moldovan-Swiss relations are diplomatic, economic and other relations between Moldova and Switzerland. Both countries established diplomatic relations on September 2, 1992. Moldova is represented in Switzerland through its embassy to the United Nations in Geneva.[1] Switzerland is represented in Moldova through its embassy in Kiev (Ukraine) and an honorary consulate in Chişinău.[2] Since 1992 various senior Moldovan officials have visited Switzerland to discuss improvements in bilateral relations.[3][4] Switzerland has provided significant aid to Moldova.[5][6]

Moldovan-Swiss relations

Moldova	Switzerland

Official visits and statements

In April 1992 the Swiss military attaché in Moscow said that Switzerland intended to establish links between the Swiss and Moldovan military institutions and assist Moldova in strengthening defense capabilities.[7]

In January 1999 Moldovan President Petru Lucinschi visited Switzerland, and stated that progress had been made in broadening bilateral relations between the two countries.[3]

In October 2006, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Switzerland to Moldova Christian Fessler stated that Switzerland supports Moldova's European integration efforts, and hoped for a peaceful settlement of the Transnistria conflict.[8]

In June 2008, the Moldovan Vice-Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Stratan visited Switzerland and met with senior officials to discuss improvements in bilateral relations, including visa arrangements and joint cooperation efforts in the social, tourism and education sectors. They noted plans to open an embassy of Switzerland in Chişinău.[4]

In December 2008 Valery Ostalep, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, visited Switzerland and met with senior officials to discuss opportunities for improved economic relations.[9]

Agreements

As of 2008, Moldova and Switzerland had signed a dozen agreements, half of which were economic.[10]

Aid

In 1996 it was reported that the Swiss-American Micro-Enterprise Programme would lend money for small loans to assist Moldova's micro-enterprises.[11] Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs funded a project in 2005 to assist the Moldovan Ministry of Economy and Commerce in improving levels of foreign direct investment.[12]

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has been active in Moldova since 2000, providing humanitarian aid.[5] The SDC gave support to the International Organization for Migration in 2001 to start a reintegration program for the victims of trafficking in women.[13] The Lausanne-based Terre des hommes has been active in Moldova since 2005, giving support and training to authorities in protecting children at risk of parental neglect, abuse, exploitation and trafficking.[6] The Swiss Tropical Institute has provided assistance to Moldova since 2006 in improvements in perinatal treatment.[14]

Economic relations

Switzerland is Moldova's 14th most important trading partner.[10]

In July 2000, the president of the Swiss airline Crossair met with Moldovan President, Petru Lucinschi and expressed readiness to extend the partnership with the state-owned Air Moldova, and to take part in the privatization of the Air Moldova. The Moldovan government was also negotiating with Swiss-based Militzer & Münch about a concession to run the Moldovan National Railroad Company.[15] Alain Benech of the Secretariat for Economy of the Switzerland Foreign Department stated in an interview that there were many opportunities for Swiss business in Moldova.[16]

In December 2008, Moldovan entrepreneurs in Switzerland attended a forum organized by the newly formed Switzerland-Moldova Chamber of Commerce, with guest speakers Pierre-François Unger, Minister of Economy and Health of the Canton of Geneva and Moldovan Minister of Finance Marian Durleshtyanu.[10]

Miscellaneous

In June 2003 Swiss parliamentarian Ruth-Gaby Vermot-Mangold presented a report on organ trafficking to the Council of Europe, including evidence gathered in Moldova. This has prompted Swiss authorities to consider new legislation to prevent abuse of organ donations.[17]

See also

• Foreign relations of Moldova
• Foreign relations of Switzerland

References

1. Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration about relations with Switzerland
2. Switzerland Federal Department of Foreign Affairs about relations with Moldova
3. "Moldovan president satisfied with outcome of visit to Switzerland". Interfax news agency, Moscow. January 18, 1999. Retrieved August 18, 2009.
4. "Switzerland will consider the agreement on facilitating the visa regime for Moldovan citizens" (in Russian). MOLDOVA.RU. June 9, 2008. Archived from the original on October 8, 2011. Retrieved August 18, 2009.
5. "Moldova (Republic". Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation – SDC. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
6. "(Moldova – Switzerland) Violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja supports Moldovan children". Terre des hommes Foundation Lausanne. August 4, 2008. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
7. RFE/RL, Inc. Research Institute (1992). RFE/RL research report, Volume 1, Issues 18–26. RFE/RL, Inc.
8. "Switzerland backs Moldova's European Integration efforts". Moldova.org. October 26, 2006. Archived from the original on March 15, 2010. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
9. "The new phase of Swiss-Moldovan relations" (in Russian). Nashagazeta (la Tribune de Genève). December 3, 2008. Archived from the original on December 4, 2008. Retrieved August 18, 2009.
10. "Moldovan businessmen in Geneva" (in Russian). Nashagazeta (la Tribune de Genève). December 4, 2008. Archived from the original on December 4, 2008. Retrieved August 18, 2009.
11. "EBRD and Swiss-American Micro-Enterprise Programme target Moldova's micro-business sector". European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. September 3, 1996. Archived from the original on July 25, 2008. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
12. "Moldova Foreign Direct Investment Strategy". OECD. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
13. "External evaluation of the SDC-financed IOM reintegration program in the Republic of Moldova". Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation – SDC. Archived from the original on November 13, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
14. "Moldova – Swiss Perinatology Project, Phase II". Swiss Tropical Institute. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
15. "The Swiss effect". Central Europe Review. July 10, 2000. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
16. "MOLDOVA DOES HAVE AN ECONOMIC PROSPEROUS FUTURE". Welcome Moldova. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
17. "Swiss reveal illegal organ trade". Swissinfo (Swiss Broadcasting Corporation). June 25, 2003. Retrieved August 17, 2009.