Chișinău rejects Russia’s accusations of alleged discrimination against Russian citizens at the border: “The Republic of Moldova is a safe and open country for visitors”
The Russian Foreign Ministry accuses the Moldovan authorities of pursuing a "discriminatory policy" towards Russian citizens arriving in the territory of the Republic of Moldova, citing frequent cases of humiliating checks and refusals of entry without explanation. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chisinau qualifies the accusations as unfounded and regrets that Moscow "again chooses to strain relations" through such statements.
According to a statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Russian citizens, including children, are allegedly subjected to excessive checks at the Chisinau airport, without being provided with minimum comfort conditions, such as access to water, food or the possibility of contacting relatives. Moscow claims that dozens of people are returned daily from the territory of the Republic of Moldova, and Russian diplomats do not have access to their compatriots to provide them with consular support.
The authorities in Chisinau deny these accusations. “The Republic of Moldova is a safe and open state for visitors. We regret that the Russian authorities chose, once again, to strain relations and divide through unfounded statements,” the MFA said in a statement. The institution states that only people who seem suspicious to the competent authorities are returned, and all others are welcome “to enjoy the proverbial hospitality of the Moldovans.”
