Moldova and Türkiye Discuss Gagauzia and Regional Development

Moldova and Türkiye Discuss Gagauzia and Regional Development

Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Türkiye’s Ambassador to Moldova, Uygar Mustafa Sertel, discussed the development of the autonomous region of Gagauzia during a meeting in Chișinău on September 3, 2026.

The meeting took place as Ambassador Sertel was completing his diplomatic mission in Moldova. The discussions covered the state of bilateral relations, economic cooperation and the situation in Gagauzia, a largely Turkic-speaking autonomous region in southern Moldova.

Gagauzia Takes a Central Place in the Discussions

A separate part of the meeting was dedicated to Gagauzia and its future development.

Both sides expressed their commitment to supporting the region’s development and highlighted the importance of the upcoming elections for the autonomous authorities, scheduled for November 15, 2026.

According to Moldova’s Presidency, the elections are expected to bring local leaders into office who will work for the benefit of residents, including economic development and the preservation of the Gagauz language and culture.

Gagauzia is an autonomous territorial unit of Moldova with its own regional institutions and a distinct Gagauz cultural and linguistic identity.

Türkiye’s Role in Gagauzia

Türkiye has maintained long-standing cultural, economic and development ties with Gagauzia and Moldova.

During the meeting, President Sandu thanked Ambassador Sertel for his work in strengthening bilateral relations and expressed appreciation to Türkiye for projects carried out in Moldova, including initiatives in Gagauzia.

The projects supported by Türkiye have included cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, education and healthcare.

Moldova and Türkiye Expand Economic Cooperation

The Gagauzia discussion was part of a broader review of relations between Moldova and Türkiye.

The two sides noted that bilateral trade has already exceeded $1 billion and discussed the possibility of doubling this figure in the future.

Opportunities for Turkish companies in Moldova were also discussed, particularly in major infrastructure and energy projects. Cooperation in defence and security was another topic on the agenda.

The growing economic relationship gives Türkiye an increasingly important role in Moldova’s investment and development landscape, while Moldova offers Turkish companies opportunities in infrastructure, energy and other sectors.

Why Gagauzia Matters to Türkiye and Moldova

Gagauzia occupies a distinctive position within Moldova because of its autonomous status and the region’s strong Gagauz cultural identity. Türkiye has traditionally paid particular attention to preserving Gagauz cultural heritage and supporting development projects in the region.

For Chișinău, maintaining constructive relations with the autonomous region is important for Moldova’s internal stability and economic development.

The upcoming November elections therefore have significance beyond the selection of local officials. The authorities elected in Gagauzia will also influence the region’s relationship with Moldova’s central government and its approach to economic and cultural development.

Ambassador Sertel Completes His Mission

The meeting also marked the end of Ambassador Uygar Mustafa Sertel’s diplomatic mission in Moldova.

President Sandu thanked him for his contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries during his tenure in Chișinău.

Türkiye’s embassy in Chișinău confirms Sertel as Türkiye’s ambassador to Moldova, while the embassy also maintains a consular presence in Comrat, the administrative centre of Gagauzia.

A Focus on Development and Stability

The latest Moldova–Türkiye discussions highlight the importance of economic development, infrastructure and cultural cooperation alongside political dialogue.

For Gagauzia, the immediate focus will be on the November 15 elections and the region’s future economic and social development. For Moldova and Türkiye, expanding trade and investment provides another area where bilateral relations can continue to grow.

The meeting demonstrates that Gagauzia remains an important part of the wider Moldova–Türkiye relationship, particularly as both countries look to strengthen cooperation in development, trade, infrastructure and regional stability.