New Head of OSCE Mission to Moldova takes office

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.                                               

"I am honoured to assume the role of Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova at this important time for the Transdniestrian settlement process. I look forward to working closely with the authorities in Chisinau and Tiraspol, as well as with the other participants in the 5+2 format, to support constructive dialogue and advance efforts towards a comprehensive and peaceful resolution of the Transdniestrian conflict. I look forward to building on the Mission’s long-standing efforts to promote confidence, foster practical co-operation, and deliver tangible benefits for people on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River," said Smith.  

Before joining the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Smith served at the U.S. Department of State as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. He previously worked as Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, from 2022 to 2023. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, with the rank of Minister-Counsellor, Smith has also served in Georgia, Türkiye, Afghanistan, Cyprus, and as DCM in Armenia.  In Washington, he has held leadership positions at the Department of State and the National Security Council.

Christopher W. Smith succeeds Ambassador Kelly Keiderling, who completed her term as Head of Mission in September 2025. The Mission was led by Acting Head of Mission Izabela Sylwia Hartmann until Smith began his duties.

The priority of the OSCE Mission to Moldova is to help achieve a lasting, comprehensive political settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict based on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders, with a special status for Transdniestria. The mandate of the OSCE Mission to Moldova is endorsed and renewed by all 57 OSCE participating States, including the Republic of Moldova.