The strengthening of relations with the organizations and partner states that support the independence, freedom and democracy and also the territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova is a key objective in the areas of security and defense, Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, stated in a joint news conference with the Minister of State for Europe of the UK Leo Docherty, who is in Chisinau on a visit, IPN reports.

“We live in a region that is now much more dangerous than we could imagine a year ago. For our country, our citizens, it is important to fell protected and to be protected. For the purpose, we need modern capacities to ensure the security of our state,” Nicu Popescu said when he was asked if the Moldovan authorities intend to make approaches to strengthen the relations with NATO by the model of this March, when Moldova submitted an application to join the EU following the example of Ukraine.

The official said the situation makes us modernize the defense capacities according to the highest international standards. This implies the strengthening of external partnerships, including in security and defense, with the partner states that support the independence, freedom and democracy in the Republic of Moldova, the respect for international law and also for the territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, with the UK and with other states and organizations.

As to NATO, Nicu Popescu said the partnership is based on the Individual Partnership Action Plan initiated in 2016. “Yes, the strengthening of relations is a key objective for our country,” he said, noting that these partnerships will be continued and intensified. The official assured that all the actions will be transparent and the authorities will explain in detail what enhancement of these partnerships means.  

On September 30, Ukraine submitted an application for accelerated accession to NATO. The application was signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky after a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.