In the final Vilnius Summit declaration, NATO Allies reaffirmed that they stand firm in their support for Moldova’s right to decide its own future and foreign policy course free from outside interference, and fully respect Moldova’s constitutional neutrality.

In a press statement, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană says that “NATO intensifies its political and practical assistance in building resilience and supporting its political independence given the deterioration of the security environment. The Allies welcome Moldova’s efforts to promote democratic reforms and is committed to supporting Moldova as it advances its European integration.”

Also, NATO will continue to provide practical assistance through the enhanced Defense Capacity Building Package, as Moldova works to strengthen its security and defense capabilities and modernize its Armed Forces, says the final Summit declaration.

The issued press release also says that Mircea Geoană chaired the meeting of NATO ministers of foreign affairs with the partners from the Republic of Moldova, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, held on the sidelines of the Vilnius Summit. The meeting involved Minister Nicu Popescu (Republic of Moldova), Minister Ilia Darchiashvili (Georgia), and Deputy Minister Josip Brkić (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

“The resumption of this format, after the meeting of the foreign ministers in Bucharest held last November, and the participation of these states in the Vilnius Summit points to the high level of cooperation with NATO. The Alliance will continue supporting partners’ rights to decide by themselves the security arrangements, without any foreign interference, and this fact was reaffirmed in the final Vilnius Summit declaration,” stated Mircea Geoană.