Moldova's partnership with NATO has grown in the last two years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Based on existing instruments, new projects have been added. 18 projects are underway under the largest program, the Defense and Security Capacity Building Program of the Republic of Moldova. New projects are included, which concern the fight against disinformation and propaganda as well as the development of the armed forces. All these details were told to IPN by Moldovan Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, Head of Moldova's Mission to NATO Viorel Cibotaru, IPN reports.
According to Viorel Cibotaru, NATO's support for the strengthening of Moldova's army is carried out through a cooperation program that includes 18 active projects with a total budget of over 100 million dollars. The projects are planned for different periods, depending on the possibilities of accumulating the necessary resources. These projects will be finalized over a period of time and will contribute to the reassessment and identification of other needs, the diplomat said.
New tools have also emerged, including the resilience program, which the Republic of Moldova is currently implementing, and new tools to combat cyber-attacks are in the pipeline.
Viorel Cibotaru emphasized that the negotiations on a new, more effective instrument of cooperation - the Adapted Partnership Plan with the North Atlantic Alliance - have been concluded. Once approved by the Government, it will enter into force for the period 2025-2028. This plan includes both cooperation objectives and specific projects and will represent a unique tool for cooperation with NATO.
Regarding the Plan to Increase Resilience, Viorel Cibotaru noted that it is based on seven principles and areas: energy, local governance, infrastructure, cybersecurity, migration and strengthening borders. "It is not directly related to the national army, but it is related to society, all types of security that society is facing, and the aim is to strengthen the government's capabilities to ensure the citizen's security in these areas," the diplomat said.
Viorel Cibotaru emphasized that there is currently no discussion within the Alliance on Moldova's possible accession to NATO. At the same time, the diplomat said that the process of accession to the EU is corroborated with Moldova's partnership with NATO, as the North Atlantic Alliance is developing an effective partnership with the European Union, providing support to partner countries in need. Cibotaru noted that Moldova's accession to the EU is in no way conditional on NATO membership.
