Ukrainian ambassador-at-large discusses Transdniestrian settlement in Moldova

MOSCOW. Feb 20 (Interfax) - Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's Ambassador-at-Large Paun Rogovei paid a working visit to Moldova, where he met with Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Reintegration Minister Oleg Serebrian and Transdniestrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky.

"During the meeting, the parties discussed today's state of the Transdniestrian settlement process and exchanged views on ways to resolve economic, social and humanitarian problems between Chisinau and Tiraspol," Ukrainian media quoted the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's press service as saying.

Ukraine stands for the Transdniestrian issue to be resolved exclusively by peaceful methods, at the same time maintaining Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, the press service said.

Ukraine also confirmed that it sees the 5+2 format as "non-functional", as Kiev is not ready to interact with Russia in this format.

Krasnoselsky, for his part, reaffirmed his readiness to continue to work together with Chisinau to implement the existing agreements on new transport routes for Ukrainian exports.

The Ukrainian side also reiterated its readiness to consider restoring on-site consular services for Ukrainian citizens in Transdniestria. The condition for that is to ensure an appropriate level of security for Ukrainian consular staff and to guarantee their unhindered travel to places where such consular services are required.