Mircea Geoană: Moldova's support is on the agenda of NATO defence ministers
The Republic of Moldova is a very close partner of NATO and we remain ready to further deepen our cooperation, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana said after a meeting with Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita.
Mircea Geoană noted that for about 30 years, NATO and the Republic of Moldova have worked together in various areas, and NATO has helped the Republic of Moldova to destroy pesticide stockpiles, improve its cyber security.
"We are also grateful to the Republic of Moldova for its contribution to the Kosovo Pacification Mission since 2014. Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally changed our common security, prompted NATO allies and partners to review and fortify its Security and Defense policies through strategic weapons in Europe," Geoană said, adding that the war waged by Russia involves immense economic and social pressures in the Republic of Moldova, and Russian missiles launched in Ukraine have become a threat to Moldova's security.
"At last year's NATO summit in Madrid we decided to strengthen political and practical support for the Republic of Moldova, in order to support the country's resilience and political independence. Support for the Republic of Moldova is also on the agenda of NATO Defence Ministers, who will meet next week in Brussels," said the NATO Deputy Secretary General.
Mircea Geoană congratulated the government in Chisinau for its commitment to reform and for taking a fair stance in condemning Russia's war against Ukraine. He also thanked the citizens of Moldova for the impressive generosity shown during this crisis, helping and hosting Ukrainian refugees for almost a year. "And finally, I want to thank you for the offer of support, including through NATO to Turkey", Mircea Geoană added.
For her part, Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita said that this meeting is a reiteration of the Alliance's support at a very complicated time for all of us after the outbreak of the Russian Federation's unjust war against Ukraine, and the assistance discussed will directly influence our state's achievement of democratic standards and implementation of reforms in all national sectors, including resilience in the field of defence and security.
"Today we will finalise discussions on how to implement the adapted package of the Defence Capability Enhancement Programme, which is an important tool in Moldova-NATO relations, building on what we have achieved in our cooperation in previous years. We place particular emphasis on NATO's support and expertise in strengthening civil defence and areas that ensure peace and stability in the Republic of Moldova and in our region. We support coordination and cooperation efforts between NATO and the European Union in the practical implementation of assistance to partner states such as the Republic of Moldova", said Natalia Gavrilița.
