The Driving Factors behind Moldova’s Strengthening Ties with NATO

Chisinau, April 11 – The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova said on Tuesday that Moldova’s neutrality does not prevent it from building relationships with NATO and other organizations and countries to strengthen security within the country and in the region.

“Moldova’s relations with various international organizations, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, represent a sovereign and independent decision for our country. The neutrality of our country does not mean isolationism. The goal pursued by the authorities is to strengthen the security of citizens and the state, as well as to contribute to the strengthening of regional and European security,” it came. In a statement posted on the Telegram channel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry stated that the Moldovan authorities are working to develop partnerships with organizations and countries to maintain peace and security in the country.

Earlier, the Moldovan authorities have repeatedly stated that in negotiations and meetings with Western partners, including NATO, they will touch on the issue of strengthening and modernizing the country’s defense potential. In particular, the head of the republic’s defense ministry, Anatoly Nosati, spoke of the need to create an air defense system, but now the country does not have funds for this.

According to the Constitution of Moldova, the republic has a neutral status, but since 1994 the country has been cooperating with NATO within the framework of the Individual Partnership Scheme. The information center of the Alliance operates in the capital of Moldova. In December 2017, a NATO liaison office was opened in Chisinau.

Public opinion polls show that more than 60% of Moldovans oppose the country’s rapprochement with NATO.