Reports that Moldova will introduce entry visas for nationals of Russia ahead of presidential elections in Chisinau have been rejected by Moldova’s Foreign Minister, Mihai Popsoi.
In addition, Popsoi called such reports “fake” stressing that the free movement between Moldova and Russia is regulated by an agreement and there is no intention to change the document, VisaGuide.World reports.
It is false information. We have a bilateral visa-free agreement with the Russian Federation. Our citizens can go there, and Russian citizens can come to the Republic of Moldova without visas. There is no change in this agreement, these possibilities to travel without visas. Moldovan citizens will continue to enjoy this right.
Moldova’s Foreign Minister said that his country has no plans to undermine the right of its nationals to move without visas not only to Russia but also to other post-Soviet countries.
Urging Moldovans to be informed by reliable sources, and verify information, Popsoi said that such information is part of the hybrid war and an example of how Russia is attempting to destabilize the situation in Moldova.
“This is not the first time, and probably not the last that such attempts will be made. Every time, we respond promptly and we reject these myths, these lies, these furious attacks, which are launched against us with a certain regularity that we are getting used to.
US Institute for War Studies Warned That Russia Could Attempt to Destabilize Moldova
Presidential elections in Moldova are scheduled to be held on October 20, 2024. In this regard, earlier this year, the US Institute for War Studies warned Moldova that the Kremlin could attempt to destabilize the country, ahead of the presidential elections and amid Moldova’s efforts to become part of the European Union.
The Institute said that since Moldova is among the poorest countries in Europe, it is thought that Russian money could strongly influence the vote.
Last month, the EU ministers agreed to start accession talks with Moldova and Ukraine.
Moldova applied for EU membership in March 2022, and on June 22, 2022, the country was officially granted candidate status by the European Commission.
Visa Free-Travel Movement Between Both Countries Confirmed by Passport Index
According to the Passport Index of the VisaGuide. World that ranks passports of 199 countries in terms of the strength of their passports, Russia is included on the list of the countries to which citizens of Moldova are eligible to travel without being subject to visa requirements.
The Index also shows that nationals of Russia are allowed to travel to Moldova without having to apply for a visa at first.