Relations between Switzerland and Moldova are very good and have strengthened in recent years. The number of high-level meetings has also increased. Relations mainly focus on development cooperation, where Switzerland has become an important partner for Moldova over the last 20 years. Switzerland has also provided humanitarian aid to Moldova due to the war in Ukraine.
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.
The volume of trade between Switzerland and Moldova has been limited to date. In 2022, total trade was CHF 76 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.
In June 2023, the EFTA states concluded a free trade agreement with the Republic of Moldova, which 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.
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.
Switzerland has been active in Moldova since 2000. The Swiss cooperation programme focuses on three areas: healthcare, local governance, and economic development and employment. 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 35 million to Moldova in 2023 and is one of the country's main bilateral donors.
The cooperation office in Chisinau promotes local artists by supporting a range of cultural projects and events, including concerts and theatre productions.
According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, there were 36 Swiss citizens living in Moldova at the end of 2022.
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. 2022 and 2023 saw an increase in high-level visits by the president of the Swiss Confederation or at Federal Council level.
Historical Dictionary of Switzerland: Republic of Moldova (de, fr, it)
Last update 12.10.2023
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