Igor Dodon, leader of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova, has welcomed the appointment of Christopher Smith as head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, describing him as an experienced specialist with strong professional credentials, TRIBUNA reports.

“I hope that, through his involvement, it will be possible to restore a full-fledged dialogue on the Transnistrian settlement,” Dodon said.

The Socialist Party leader also said that he is awaiting the arrival of the new U.S. ambassador in Chisinau.

Dodon said that Moldova and European countries should support diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, citing what he described as new diplomatic initiatives by U.S. President Donald Trump and the resumption of dialogue between the United States and the Russian Federation.

“Against the backdrop of Trump’s new diplomatic initiatives and the resumption of dialogue between the United States and the Russian Federation to identify solutions for ending the conflict in Ukraine, all responsible politicians in Moldova and Europe must support any genuine efforts aimed at ending the war,” Dodon stated.

“Our common task is to seek opportunities to restore peace, not to support endless escalation and do everything possible to prolong the conflict,” the Socialist leader added.