The first EU-Moldova High-Level Political and Security Dialogue was launched on Saturday, marking a new step in the bilateral relations, the EU External Action Service (EEAS) said in a press release.
“The launch (…) demonstrates the growing quality and intensity of our partnership on several dimensions, notably on foreign and security policy issues. Moldova’s impressive efforts in managing the highest influx of refugees per capita among Ukraine’s neighbouring countries has to be commended and supported, as this comes in addition to other major challenges for Moldova’s resilience”, stated Enrique Mora, EEAS Deputy Secretary-General.
“The EU will continue to support Moldova in further strengthening its resilience and looks forward to enhancing cooperation in the field of security and defence”, added the EU official.
Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu noted that the first meeting of the High-Level Dialogue is taking place in a “very complicated environment”, referring to the war in Ukraine. “We are focusing the EU-Moldova cooperation both on the urgent issues such as managing the refugee influx, but also on steps aimed at strengthening our resilience. The Republic of Moldova was a constant supporter of advancing cooperation with EU in the security sphere, including CSDP, cyber security, countering hybrid threats and other areas”, he stated.
According to the press release, the EU welcomed that Moldovan authorities have strongly condemned the act of war by Russia against Ukraine, and praised the way the large refugee influx is being managed.
Cooperation in the field of security was the main topic of discussion. Concrete avenues for strengthening Moldova’s resilience were discussed, notably on cyber security, fighting disinformation and enhancing cooperation under the European Peace Facility as well as closer cooperation on countering hybrid threats.
On the Transnistrian settlement process, the EU reiterated its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova within its internationally recognised borders with a special status for the Transnistrian region.
