Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the President and key ministers during an official visit to the Republic of Moldova. Meeting Moldovan President Maia Sandu, the Secretary General reaffirmed the Council of Europe's full support to the ongoing reform process, including in respect of judicial reform and the fight against corruption. The exchange also focused on the recent ratification of the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (CETS No. 210), known as the "Istanbul Convention".
The Secretary General highlighted the relevance of the Fourth Summit of the Heads of State and Government in Reykjavik (16th - 17th May), hosted by the Icelandic presidency. "It will be an opportunity to reaffirm unity at the highest political level and reinforce commitment to the Organisation's values", she said.
Condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and its repercussions for the Republic of Moldova, Marija Pejčinović Burić emphasised the Council of Europe's support for the country, which is facing multiple challenges, including the inflow of refugees.
She also met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Nicu Popescu. Discussions included the Council of Europe Action Plan (2021-2024) and the candidate country status granted by the European Union. Meetings with Prime Minister Dorin Receau, President of the Parliament Igor Grosu, Minister of Justice Veronica Mihailov-Moraru and President of Audio-visual Council Liliana Vitu are also on the agenda.
