PHOTO, VIDEO // NATO Secretary General: Moldova has ambitious reform path, and NATO ready to provide support

The Republic of Moldova has managed to stay on its European path despite major difficulties. You have an ambitious reform track, and NATO is ready to provide the necessary support. This message was delivered today by the Secretary General of the Alliance, Mark Rutte, during joint press statements with Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi in Brussels.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the good cooperation with the Republic of Moldova and reaffirmed support for the implementation of reforms on the country’s path towards the European Union.

“Over more than 30 years, we have managed to build an excellent relationship of cooperation, which greatly pleases me. I admire the fact that, despite major difficulties, following the parliamentary elections, the Republic of Moldova has managed to continue on the European path. This is very important. Also, while managing all these difficulties, you have succeeded in supporting Ukraine and its people, both morally and practically. Thank you for that. NATO is ready to continue our cooperation. You have an ambitious reform path. We want to be as helpful as possible and to assist you where needed. You should know that you have many friends here. Thank you for this important visit and for our cooperation,” Mark Rutte stated.

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi underlined that the Republic of Moldova is undertaking a set of measures to strengthen its resilience in the face of Russia’s hybrid war.

“The current geopolitical context reveals serious security challenges faced by both NATO Allies and Eastern partners, as a result of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The Republic of Moldova is the most affected country, being in the immediate neighborhood of Ukraine. Russia is waging a hybrid war against our state. The capacity of the Republic of Moldova to withstand this avalanche of interference is both evidence of the resilience and unity of Moldovan society and of the solidarity and incredible support offered by our partners in Europe and in the Euro-Atlantic space,” Mihai Popșoi declared.

The head of Moldovan diplomacy expressed gratitude for the partnership with NATO and the support provided over more than 30 years of cooperation.

“Under the umbrella of the Partnership for Peace, Moldova’s democratic reforms are stronger, and institutional resilience has increased as a result of this extraordinary cooperation we have had with NATO over the years. Now, when the Republic of Moldova can hold its head high after several electoral cycles in which we have managed to withstand this interference, we aim to become more actively involved. These actions are backed by a strong mandate from our citizens, both regarding integration into the European Union and the deepening of cooperation with the North Atlantic Alliance. We are very grateful for this opportunity for political dialogue, for the support given to reforms, and for the solidarity shown by NATO partners. We look forward to strengthening this cooperation in the coming years,” Mihai Popșoi noted.

Popșoi is paying a working visit to Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium, on 10–11 March, where he will hold meetings with officials of the European Union and NATO. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen the dialogue between the Republic of Moldova and the EU and NATO, with a focus on security cooperation, support for enhancing resilience, and advancing the country’s European path.

The agenda includes a meeting with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas. Mihai Popșoi will also participate, as a rapporteur alongside the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Marta Kos, and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Ferit Hoxha, in the session “Strengthening the European Union through enlargement”, organized within the EU Annual Ambassadors’ Conference.

In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister will take part in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in the format of 32 Allies plus the Republic of Moldova, where developments in the security environment and the further development of bilateral cooperation will be discussed.