OSCE's Christopher Smith to Maia Sandu: "I will always be an honest mediator"
The OSCE Mission to the Republic of Moldova is committed to promoting the country's security, stability, and prosperity while continuously adapting to the evolving regional security environment. These commitments were reaffirmed on September 7 by the new Head of the Mission, Christopher W. Smith, during a meeting with President Maia Sandu.
The officials discussed recent developments in the Republic of Moldova, including the Transnistrian settlement process, as well as the main regional security challenges in the current context.
“It is an honor for me to take on the role of Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova at this important moment for the country and for the Transnistrian settlement process. You will always find in me an honest mediator, and I count on your support and guidance as we work towards a comprehensive and peaceful resolution of the conflict,” said Christopher Smith.
In response, the head of state, Maia Sandu, emphasized that Chisinau’s priorities remain maintaining stability and security, particularly in light of Russian aggression against Ukraine and hybrid threats. She also highlighted the importance of gradually and sustainably reintegrating the Transnistrian region by bringing its citizens closer to the Republic of Moldova through sectoral reintegration.
The President underscored the role of the OSCE Mission in facilitating dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol, improving the human rights situation, and ensuring the right to study in Romanian. She congratulated Christopher Smith on his appointment and wished him success in his new role.
Christopher W. Smith officially took on the role of Head of the OSCE Mission to the Republic of Moldova on 31 August 2026, following his appointment by the OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office, which is currently held by Switzerland. He will also serve as the organization's lead mediator in the Transnistrian settlement process.
Upon starting his duties, Smith expressed his eagerness to collaborate closely with the authorities in Chisinau and Tiraspol, as well as with other participants in the "5+2" negotiation format. His aim is to support constructive dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution of the Transnistrian conflict.
Before his current position, Christopher W. Smith served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs at the United States Department of State. From 2022 to 2023, he was the Deputy Head of the U.S. Mission to Ukraine.
A career diplomat and member of the United States Senior Diplomatic Service with the rank of Minister Counselor, Smith has worked in countries such as Georgia, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Cyprus. He also served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Armenia and held senior positions in the State Department and the National Security Council in Washington.
Smith's appointment comes after Ambassador Kelly Keiderling’s mandate concludes in September 2025, during which Izabela Sylwia Hartmann served as interim leader.
The OSCE Mission to the Republic of Moldova receives support and periodic renewal of its mandate from all 57 participating States, including the authorities in Chisinau. The primary objective of the mission is to facilitate a comprehensive and sustainable political settlement of the Transnistrian conflict while fully respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders.
The "5+2" negotiation format has been effectively frozen since October 2019, when the last official meeting occurred in Bratislava. It has been completely stalled since February 2022 due to the context of Russian aggression in Ukraine.
