UK-Moldova Strategic Dialogue
The United Kingdom and the Republic of Moldova today held the fifth session of the UK-Moldova Strategic Dialogue in London, hosted by the FCDO and attended by UK Minister Stephen Doughty and Minister of State for Defence Lord Vernon Coaker, with Moldova’s delegation led by State Secretary Carolina Perebinos. They reviewed a year of significant cooperation, welcomed Moldova’s parliamentary elections as a sign of democratic resilience, and reaffirmed the UK’s support for Moldova’s sovereignty and European path and its contribution to regional security, including Ukraine. The discussions highlighted progress in strengthening Moldova’s resilience to hybrid threats, shared lessons from countering foreign information manipulation and interference, and reinforced commitments to deeper cooperation on security, defence reform, tackling serious and organised crime and illicit finance, and expanding the bilateral legal framework, including the reciprocal exchange of driving licences which entered into force in August 2025. They also noted Maia Sandu’s 2025 visit to the UK, Moldova’s leadership during its Presidency of the Council of Europe, and the concurrent Trade Dialogue, expressing intent to broaden collaboration through 2026 and beyond.
Joint Statement from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Moldova as they convened today in London for the fifth session of the bilateral Strategic Dialogue.
The United Kingdom and the Republic of Moldova came together today in London for the fifth session of the UK-Moldova Strategic Dialogue, underscoring the strategic nature of the bilateral partnership. The meeting was hosted by the FCDO Director for Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Chris Allan, and involved the participation of the Minister for Europe, Stephen Doughty MP, and the Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker.
The Moldovan delegation was led by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Carolina Perebinos, with the participation of the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ghenadie Cojocaru, and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, Cristina Ceban.
Both sides took stock of an excellent year of significant achievements and exceptional cooperation. The United Kingdom warmly welcomed Moldova’s parliamentary elections, which showcased democratic resilience in the face of sustained external pressure and threats, and pledged its unwavering support for Moldova’s sovereignty and its European path. The United Kingdom also recognised Moldova`s contribution to regional security, including in support of Ukraine’s security.
The UK and Moldova highlighted tangible progress in Moldova’s strengthened resilience to hybrid threats, including shared lessons learned from countering foreign information manipulation and interference. Both sides reinforced their commitment to deepening cooperation on security, defence reform, tackling serious and organised crime and illicit finance, and emphasised the importance of continued international support for Moldova’s stability and reform agenda.
The Dialogue demonstrated the growing breadth and depth of the bilateral partnership marked by increased senior level engagement over the past year. Both sides welcomed President Maia Sandu’s visit to the United Kingdom in 2025, including meetings with His Majesty The King and the Prime Minister.
Both sides celebrated the entry into force of the UK-Moldova agreement on the reciprocal exchange of driving licences in August 2025, as a practical step strengthening people to people ties, and agreed to continue efforts to expand the bilateral legal framework across a range of areas of mutual interest. Both sides also expressed interest in exploring opportunities for cooperation in the education sector, encouraging partnerships between universities and research institutions.
The United Kingdom commended Moldova’s successful leadership during its Presidency of the Council of Europe, culminating in the 135th Committee of Ministers meeting in Chisinau in May.
Alongside the Strategic Dialogue, the UK and Moldova also held a Trade Dialogue, focused on their shared interest in strengthening economic ties and sustainable growth.
The United Kingdom and the Republic of Moldova committed to further developing their close collaboration through the Strategic Dialogue and other bilateral channels in 2026 and beyond.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-moldova-strategic-dialogue-23-april-2026
