NATO Secretary General expresses full confidence in Moldovan president

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is warning about the risks facing the Moldova in the context of recent statements by the Russian Federation’s ambassador to Chișinău, who evoked a possible “Ukrainian scenario.” “The fact that they come up with such statements shows that they are worried about the direction Moldova is taking,” the NATO official said in Brussels today. At the same time, Rutte expressed his full support for President Maia Sandu, emphasizing that he appreciates the way she is leading the country.

The NATO official stressed that Russia’s threats must not be treated superficially, as they reveal concern that Moldova is taking a different path.

“Let’s not be naive about Russia. It is not naive. Neither are you. Nor am I. We must never be naive in our dealings with the Russians. The fact that they make such statements shows that they are worried about the direction Moldova is taking. We saw this at the presidential elections. We also saw it in the parliamentary elections. There is a constant trend coming from Moldova. The country is taking a different path, and under President Sandu’s leadership, this course will continue, step by step, in the right direction,” Rutte underlined, as cited by Vocea Basarabiei (The Voice of Bessarabia) .

The statements were made amid concerns about hybrid pressures and security risks faced by Moldova, including in relation to the Transnistrian region. Rutte said he had known Maia Sandu for many years, describing her as “an outstanding leader.”

“We have known each other for many years. We last spoke in Copenhagen, at the European Political Community. She is an outstanding leader. I reiterate, I have the utmost confidence in the way she is leading the country,” the NATO Secretary General said.

Rutte also said that NATO was actively cooperating with Moldova, providing support in combating hybrid threats and in other areas related to strengthening the state’s resilience.

At the same time, the official highlighted Chisinau’s close cooperation with the European Union, as well as its very good relationship with Romania, which he described as “very important” for Moldova’s path.

President Maia Sandu on February 13-14 will participate in the Munich Security Conference, one of the most important international forums dedicated to global security.

On the sidelines of the conference, the head of state will hold bilateral meetings with more counterparts and high-level officials, during which they will address topics related to the regional situation, security cooperation and support for Moldova’s accession to the European Union, as well as for the country’s efforts to strengthen its resilience.