Foreign Minister Valery Litskai, who presented the draft, stressed that it was based on the principle of defending and strengthening the independence and statehood of Transdniestria. "If we [Transdniestria] join the association, we will not lose our independence and sovereignty," he said, citing the example of the Union State of Russia and Belarus.
The draft concept says that the development of partner relations with the CIS countries is a priority of the republic's foreign policy, with the spotlight on the development of ties with Russia and Ukraine. Russia is named there as a major strategic partner of Transdniestria, above all in the economy.
Tiraspol also plans to establish relations with non-CIS countries. "Transdniestria plans to become a full-fledged subject of international law and is developing relations with other members of the international system on the basis of equality, cooperation, mutual respect and partnership," says the draft concept.
