Moldova and Ukraine update technical-military cooperation agreement

Moldova and Ukraine are updating the Technical-Military Cooperation Agreement. The parliamentary committee for foreign policy approved today the launch of negotiations and the signing of the draft Agreement. The document focuses on the exchange of expertise in areas such as research, innovation, cybersecurity, logistics and modern technologies, in order to protect critical infrastructure and improve public services.

The Agreement clearly stipulates that the Republic of Moldova maintains its neutral status, and the activities carried out will not contribute to participation in military actions or the deployment of foreign troops on the country’s territory.

"Since 1992, the Ministry of Defense has concluded over 120 bilateral international treaties in the military sector. The Republic of Moldova and Ukraine signed the bilateral Military Cooperation Agreement in 1993. As with other external partnerships of the Republic of Moldova, this framework is to be adapted, based on technological developments and current realities. We note that similar processes of updating cooperation agreements have also taken place with other partner states, such as Romania, Germany, France. The updated version of this agreement refers strictly to cooperation and the exchange of expertise in areas such as research, innovation, cybersecurity, logistics and the use of modern technologies for the purpose of protecting critical infrastructure and improving public services. For example, technological cooperation in the field of civilian-use drones can contribute to monitoring crops and optimizing agricultural work, improving border surveillance, monitoring road traffic, or checking power lines. The objective is the development and production of these technologies in the Republic of Moldova, in order to increase local capacities and reduce import costs. The Agreement includes clear guarantees regarding respect for the constitutional neutrality of the Republic of Moldova. At the same time, the document expressly states that no activity carried out under this agreement will contribute, directly or indirectly, to the conduct of or participation in military actions, involvement in offensive actions, or the deployment of foreign military troops on the country’s territory. The Republic of Moldova remains firmly committed to defending peace, security, its national interests and the law," Foreign Policy Committee head Doina Gherman said.

The document will be initially valid for five years, with automatic extension and the possibility of termination at the request of any party. The foundations of Moldovan-Ukrainian military cooperation were laid in 1993, and Moldova currently has over 120 bilateral international treaties in the military sector.