Foreign affairs minister says Moldova strengthening defense, resilience, while diplomatic condemnation stays standard response to security incident

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popsoi says that Moldova will continue to invest in security, defense and institutional resilience, in the context of repeated security incidents in the region and infringements of the country’s airspace.

The official emphasized that Chisinau’s diplomatic responses were similar to the ones applied by Western states in comparable situations, but the difference lies in defense capabilities.

“We will invest, in continuation, in the resilience of our society and in enhancing our defense capacity. This is the best response to such situations. Diplomatically, we can do what our partners do as well – we publicly condemn these actions. The only difference is that the states we are talking about have the capacity to defend themselves, while Moldova is still consolidating these capabilities,” Popsoi said during a TVR Moldova programme.

Investments in security and airspace control

The Moldovan diplomacy head specified that the authorities were making efforts to strengthen control over the airspace and to eliminate risks to the population, including with support from external partners.

According to him, in recent years, investments have been launched in areas previously considered neglected: defense, energy security and cybersecurity.

“For 30 years, there was not enough investment in the security of citizens or in the resilience of institutions. In recent years, more has been done in these areas than in the entire period of independence,” the deputy prime minister noted.

He added that Moldova did not yet have all the necessary mechanisms and equipment, but they are to be supplied gradually, with the goal of ensuring a safe and stable environment for citizens.

Relations with the Russian Federation and the ambassador’s activities

Mihai Popsoi also commented on the behavior of the Russian Federation’s ambassador in Chisinau, noting that some of the ambassador’s public actions were unusual for diplomatic practice.

According to the minister, the Russian diplomat’s participation in various political events and meetings with domestic political actors raises questions, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine and the regional security situation.

Nevertheless, the official underlined that Moldova sought to maintain a minimum level of stability in the bilateral relationship, including in order to provide consular services to Moldovan citizens on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Warnings for Moldovan citizens in Russia

The deputy prime minister reiterated the authorities’ concerns regarding the risks Moldovan citizens in the Russian Federation may face, including the possibility of receiving military draft notices.

He recommended that people in such situations avoid risks and, if necessary, return to Moldova.

“Our citizens are welcome to come home when there is a security risk. There is peace in Moldova, and we are working to create better opportunities and living conditions,” Popsoi said.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry noted that diplomatic missions continued to provide consular assistance to Moldovans abroad and to inform the public about any potential security risks.