The decisions that NATO can take at the summit of September 4-5 could commence the reformation of the military system of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova can launch new partnerships of cooperation with NATO as the status of neutrality does not run counter to this cooperation. The issue was developed by participants in the press club meeting “NATO Summit of Wales: expectations and exigencies”, IPN reports.

Mihai Carp, vice director of the Crisis Management Section of the NATO Operations Division, said this is a historical summit held in a critical period. “I think nobody believed a year ago that things in Ukraine will take such a twist,” he stated.

Asked if, hypothetically speaking, NATO would now accept Moldova as a member, Mihai Carp said that if the country changed its position and submitted an application to join NATO, its request and its possibilities would be thoroughly analyzed by the member states. The NATO-Moldova partnership is fully compatible with the country’s status of neutrality and its European aspirations and intention to have good relations with the strategic partner Russia.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Valeriu Chiveri said the relations between Moldova and NATO have lately intensified. For the first time this year, Moldova is taking part in a peacekeeping mission under the aegis of NATO.

Director of the European Institute for Political Studies Viorel Cibotaru said it is expected that the decisions that will be taken after the NATO Summit will launch the army reform in Moldova as the army now is a great training center and a depot for Soviet armament. Moldova should more intensely cooperate with NATO as the status of neutrality is compromised by Russia, which keeps its army in the eastern districts of Moldova.

The expert considers that the authorities must make effort to combat the anti-NATO propaganda in Moldova and find resources to supply the army with the necessary military equipment, including weapons with which to respond in case of aggression.

Political analyst Vasile Croitor said there are countries whose Constitution stipulates the principle of neutrality, but they cooperate intensely with NATO. The association with the European Union implies harmonization with the EU defense policy that is not different from that of NATO. Moldova is situated between NATO and Russia, while the decisions taken at this summit will influence the country.

The NATO Summit is taking place at Celtic Manor in Wales. It involves high-ranking officials from the 28 member states of NATO and from partner countries interested in common security. Moldova is represented by Minister of Defense Valeriu Troenco.