Strengthening Moldova–Austria regional ties: Moldovan foreign affairs minister on working visit to federal state of Carinthia

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popsoi, on an official visit to Austria, has undertaken working trip to the federal state of Carinthia. The agenda of the visit included high-level meetings with regional authorities, strengthening partnerships at community level, promoting cultural and economic diplomacy, as well as a direct dialogue with the Moldovan Diaspora of the region.

A central point of the visit was a meeting of the Moldovan foreign minister with Governor of Carinthia Peter Kaiser. The discussions focused on Austria’s support for the European agenda of Moldova, in the context of its status as a candidate country for EU membership. The two officials addressed concrete ways to strengthen interinstitutional cooperation at the regional level, emphasizing the use of European Union instruments and mechanisms dedicated to regional development. They also discussed initiatives to promote a common cultural and educational agenda.

Mihai Popsoi traveled to the municipality of Neuhaus, where he met mayor, Patrick Skubel. Attending the event were also representatives of educational institutions and local public administration officials. Neuhaus is twinned with the commune of Truseni of Moldova, a partnership that was formalized in April 2025 through the signing of the Twinning Agreement and the symbolic planting of a “Tree of Friendship” (a cherry tree).

During the talks, the sides highlighted the crucial importance of cooperation at community level and the value of local partnerships in strengthening human and political ties between Moldova and Austria.

“Even though many kilometers separate us, we are united by a strong sense of unity, solidarity and friendship. We want to continue strengthening these bonds between our communities through direct people-to-people contacts and cooperation at the local level. In these times, building bridges becomes essential, in order to remain united and stronger,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi.

The agenda also included the deputy PM’s visit to the headquarters of the Honorary Consulate of Moldova in Carinthia, located in Neuhaus. There, Mihai Popsoi took part in the opening of an exhibition dedicated to Moldovan art, traditions and culture. The event featured a special artistic moment, a violin recital performed by young musician Catalin Advahov.

On this occasion, Honorary Consul Raul Serban Arabagiu announced a significant donation: a state-of-the-art defibrillator for the “Mihai Viteazul” Gymnasium in the village of Chircaiesti, Causeni district. This charitable action aims to strengthen the school’s capacity to provide first aid.

The economic dimension of the visit was addressed during discussions with  President of the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce Jürgen Mandl. The two officials reviewed concrete initiatives meant to stimulate business partnerships, particularly in such areas as tourism, trade, and the exchange of good practices.

Minister Popsoi also had a constructive exchange of views with members of the body of honorary consuls and with representatives of the regional business community who have ties with Moldova, discussing current priorities and investment opportunities.

Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi’s visit to the federal state of Carinthia concluded with a direct dialogue with members of the Moldovan community settled in this region of Austria.