Chisinau replies to Moscow: "Neutrality of our country does not mean isolationism"
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration (MFAEI) in Chisinau has reacted to the latest statements made by the MFA representative in Moscow, Maria Zaharova, regarding the interview given by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana, in which he talks about the partnership and relations of Chisinau with the North Atlantic Alliance. The Chisinau diplomacy repeatedly reiterates that it does not accept "such statements" and "interference in the internal affairs of the Republic of Moldova".
"The Republic of Moldova's relations with various international organisations, including NATO, are the sovereign and independent decision of our country. We do not accept such statements and interference in the internal affairs of the Republic of Moldova. Neutrality of our country does not mean isolationism. The authorities are developing partnerships with organisations and states in order to preserve the peace and security of the country," reads the statement issued by the MFAEI.
The reaction of the Foreign Ministry in Chisinau comes after the spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zaharova, said that attempts to draw Moldova into NATO are "cynical", especially against the background of the situation in Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry representative argues that a rapprochement with NATO is accompanied by "loss of sovereignty".
NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană told the public TV programme "In Context" that if the Chisinau authorities request security assistance, the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance will examine this possibility within the framework of the existing partnership. Geoană claims that Chisinau has requested "concrete" assistance from the Alliance and that it is currently examining our country's requests in order to provide an equally concrete response.
The Republic of Moldova has had a cooperative relationship with NATO since 1992. Cooperation with this organisation, including through the Partnership for Peace, has brought and continues to bring real benefits for our country and for regional security. This relationship is developing exclusively on the basis of respect for Moldova's neutrality. MFAEI maintains that the objective pursued by the authorities is to strengthen the security of citizens and the state, but also to contribute to the promotion of regional and European security. Our country is deepening friendly relations with all those who support freedom, peace and security in the region.
