The G7, NATO, Biden-Putin summits are important for Moldova because Moldova is at the border with NATO and in a space where the Russian Federation claims particular national interests. These three events can be treated in a positive context for Moldova, but also in a less promising context. The issue was developed by experts invited to the online forum “G7, NATO, Biden-Putin Summits and repercussions for the national security of the Republic of Moldova” that was organized by the NATO Information and Documentation Center in Moldova.
Doctor Marin Butuc, researcher, said the “14” proposal from the final communiqué of the NATO is beneficial for Moldova as this calls on Russia to withdraw its troops from the Transnistrian region and to become constructively engaged in the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict. It will be seen how relevant the calls for Russia are. Another aspect is the NATO commitment to support democratic reforms in Moldova and to provide assistance for strengthening the defense capacities. This point “14” also obliges Moldova to take clear positions after the snap parliamentary elections.
Doctor Habilitate Alla Roșca, associated researcher at Edgewater Research, considers the recent discussions between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin are important as the transmitted messages were expected to be pragmatic. The discussion has repercussions for other countries, including Ukraine, which was discussed at the Summit, and in this context has an effect on Moldova. Biden restored American diplomacy, returned to the classical diplomacy and transmitted the message concerning democratic reforms, human rights and focused on these aspects in the discussion with Vladimir Putin. Biden tried to underline the necessity of introducing those reforms in the given states and reference to Ukraine was made tangentially. After the NATO Summit, it became clear that the fight against corruption is one of the priorities in the case of Ukraine. This is topical for Moldova too. The two officials also referred to cybersecurity, probably rather as regards the invasion of trolls in different activities of companies. It is important that Moldova also ensure cybersecurity.
Viorel Ciubotaru, director of the European Institute for Political Studies of Moldova, said the relations with Ukraine are not simple and Moldova should do a lot to build confidence. The NATO programs will enable Moldova to be useful and practical in its cooperation with the mates from the Alliance by taking part in peacekeeping missions, increasing the security level as regards border control, the fight against corruption. If efforts are combined with Ukraine and particular norms and conditions existing in the EU and NATO are adjusted, preconditions will be created for engaging the Russian Federation in a new dialogue in the Transnistrian settlement process. When it goes to the withdrawal of the Russian troops, the first step is to dispose of the ammunition depot in Cobasna, which is not only a threat, but also a step towards engaging Russia in the unfreezing of the Transnistrian conflict.
Iulian Fota, director general of the Romanian Diplomatic Institute, noted the whole international community is at the crosswords and in front of important decisions, but everyone should adjust to a new context from technological viewpoint, to a new context that is very different from the past. Therefore, the need for more intense discussions appears. NATO is organized in a very flexible way, based on a treaty that hasn’t been modified for 80 years. But NATO should adjust itself to the strategic context of the epoch. NATO gave the green light for working out a strategic concept on threats and how they should be managed. This document will contain a chapter on the partner states, including the Republic of Moldova. This chapter will be written also with the assistance of the Republic of Moldova, which should be ready for this.
