Relations between Switzerland and Moldova are very good and have strengthened in recent years. The number of high-level meetings has also increased. Switzerland and Moldova share the same values of rule of law, democracy, and human rights. Relations are multifaceted, encompassing political, economic, and development cooperation. Switzerland has become an important partner for Moldova over the last 25 years. Switzerland has also provided humanitarian aid to Moldova due to the war in Ukraine.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Republic of Moldova
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
The SDC has maintained a cooperation office in Chisinau since 2000. The Swiss Ambassador to Ukraine is also accredited to Moldova. The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Moldova in Geneva has dual accreditation covering both the international organisations in Geneva and bilateral relations with Switzerland. Since 2017, Switzerland and Moldova have engaged in regular political consultations on bilateral matters related to development cooperation, cooperation on migration and trade, and multilateral cooperation and exchange. Since 2022, the situation in Ukraine and the impact of the war on Moldova have been key issues.
Economic cooperation
The volume of trade between Switzerland and Moldova has been limited to date. In 2024, total trade was CHF 69 million and there is potential for trade to grow between the two countries. Switzerland mainly exports pharmaceutical products, vehicles and machinery to Moldova and imports primarily textiles, machinery and agricultural products.
On 1 April 2025 the free trade agreement between the EFTA states and the Republic of Moldova entered into force. The agreement will boost economic and trade relations between the four EFTA countries and Moldova, for example by increasing market access and strengthening the legal framework for businesses.
Cooperation in education, training, research and innovation
Researchers and artists who are citizens of Moldova can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship.
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
Switzerland has been active in Moldova since 2000. The Swiss cooperation programme focuses on three areas: governance and social cohesion, economic development and resilience, and health and local public services. Switzerland has also provided funding to help refugees and vulnerable communities in Moldova affected by Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. Switzerland disbursed approximately CHF 26 million to Moldova in 2025 and is one of the country's main bilateral donors.
Cultural exchanges
The cooperation office in Chisinau promotes local artists by supporting a range of cultural projects and events, including concerts and theatre productions.
Swiss nationals in the Republic of Moldova
According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, there were 42 Swiss citizens living in Moldova at the end of 2025.
History of bilateral relations
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Switzerland established diplomatic relations with the new Republic of Moldova in 1992. In 2000, the SDC opened a cooperation office in Chisinau at the request of the Moldovan authorities. Between 2000 and 2008, the office focused mainly on humanitarian aid and subsequently on technical development cooperation. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Switzerland has again been providing humanitarian aid to Moldova while maintaining the existing development cooperation programme. Since 2022, high-level visits and meetings at the level of federal councilors or the president of the Swiss Confederation have increased.
Historical Dictionary of Switzerland: Republic of Moldova (de, fr, it)
