Cyprus Pledges Continued Backing for Moldova’s EU Accession Bid

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus will keep firmly backing Moldova’s bid to join the European Union, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said on Monday. His Moldovan counterpart, Mihai Popsoi, said Chisinau aims to bring the process close to completion in 2028 and to have ratification well advanced by 2030.

Talks in Nicosia

Kombos spoke to the press after meeting Popsoi, who is Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. He praised the reforms Moldova has carried out and said Cyprus saw their results directly while it held the presidency of the Council of the EU. He also confirmed Cyprus’ support for Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including efforts to settle the Transnistria dispute.

Kombos encouraged Moldova to press on with its reforms and described EU membership as the only route to joining the European family. He added: “Be assured that Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus will stand by you, at your side, and help you in every possible way.”

Moldova’s response

Popsoi thanked Cyprus for its backing during the Council presidency. He said Nicosia had played an important part in moving Moldova’s accession negotiations forward, and that its contribution to opening the first negotiating chapters and clusters would remain a lasting part of bilateral relations.

He portrayed the relationship between the two states as an example of solidarity, noting that both face difficulties linked to territorial integrity. “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” Popsoi said. He added that Moldova would continue to support Cyprus on sovereignty, international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions.