Sa’ar meets with Moldovan counterpart ahead of antisemitism summit

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar meets with Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi, who arrived in Israel for an international conference on combating antisemitism, Sa’ar’s office says in a statement.

This marks Popsoi’s first visit to the Jewish state, continues the statement, during which the Eastern European politician will participate in a summit on fighting global antisemitism, hosted by Sa’ar during Israel’s presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, an intergovernmental organization for promoting Holocaust education and fighting antisemitism.

Several other foreign ministers of IHRA member states are expected to attend the conference, which will commence tonight and take place throughout tomorrow, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Honored to host in Jerusalem Moldova's Deputy PM and FM @MihaiPopsoi, on the sidelines of @TheIHRA conference chaired by Israel. We discussed ways to further strengthen our ties, following the opening of an Israeli embassy in Moldova last February. ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/Z4e6mBmNxx

— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) May 27, 2025

Sa’ar and Popsoi discuss “further advancing bilateral relations” and “practical steps for combating antisemitism,” as well as preparations for a meeting of the joint economic committee between the countries, which they co-chair, adds the statement.

Popsoi is also expected to sign a legal cooperation agreement with Justice Minister Yariv Levin, says Sa’ar’s office. Moldova has long sought the extradition of Israeli-born billionaire and convicted fraudster Ilan Shor, who was active in Moldovan politics but fled back to Israel after being accused of wide-ranging graft.

In February, Sa’ar visited Chisinau to open Israel’s first embassy in Moldova, over 30 years after the two countries established diplomatic relations.