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Электронное приложение к журналу «Международная жизнь»
Author : F. Mukhametshin
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Moldova, Doctor
of Science (Political Science)
RUSSIA AND MOLDOVA have for centuries been
connected by close bonds of friendship, as amply evi-
denced by the history of both countries. No doubt, the
common Orthodox faith and common values have
been, and still are, an important unifying factor for both
countries.
THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS have been marked by
a significant acceleration of tectonic shifts in the geopo-
litical landscape of the region, including the Republic
of Moldova. The need to respond to new regional challenges complicated Chisinau's foreign
policy agenda. In addition, Moldova has found itself at the epicenter of the intersection of a
whole number of integration processes.
The country's position at a busy "geopolitical crossroads" carries considerable benefit, at the
same time demanding a consistent and clearcut approach toward establishing the "rules of the
game" in relations with its partners.
Amid the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape in the region, Russia and Moldova are faced
with a challenging task, i.e., to restore and step up the positive dynamics of bilateral coopera-
tion.
Taking into account the significant potential for parliamentary diplomacy, there is a pressing
need to develop cooperation between Russian and Moldovan legislative bodies.
Another promising area of the Russia-Moldova humanitarian dialogue is cooperation in the
sphere of education. It should be noted that Moldovan graduates have a strong interest in re-
ceiving higher education in Russia.
In the past few years, the status of the Russian language in Moldova's education system featured
prominently in the bilateral dialogue on education issues. The Treaty of Friendship and Coop-
eration between our states specifies Moldova's obligations to provide adequate conditions to
meet the need for Russian language programs in the public education system.
THUS, even a cursory glance at the wide-ranging ties between Russia and Moldova confirms
that their cooperation has significant potential that has yet to be tapped to the full. However,
amid the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape in the region, the parties are faced with a chal-
lenging task, i.e., to restore and step up the positive dynamics of bilateral cooperation, working
out a balance formula for their further collaboration.
Russia-Moldova Ties Through the Prism of Changing Regional
Architecture