CHISINAU, 31 August 2026 – Christopher W. Smith took office today as the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, following his appointment by the Swiss OSCE Chairman-in-Office. He will also serve as the OSCE mediator in the Transdniestrian settlement process.                                               

Today, the OSCE Mission to Moldova facilitated in its office in Tiraspol the first in-person 1+1 meeting in over a year between the Moldovan and Transdniestrian Chief Negotiators, Valeriu Chiveri and Vitaly Ignatiev. The meeting marked a significant and timely step in ensuring direct dialogue at the level of Chief Negotiators. The previous in-person meeting in this format took place in November 2024. The resumption of face-to-face discussions underscores the importance of sustained, direct engagement in advancing the settlement process.