Politicians need to be consistent on NATO-Moldova relationship - opinion
The intensification of Moldova-NATO relations began last year, not immediately after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Natalia Albu, executive director of the Platform for Security and Defence Initiatives, told Radio Moldova's "Parallel 47" programme. In her opinion, this is also confirmed by the presence of Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu at the NATO ministerial in Bucharest and the NATO Summit in Vilnius.
"An increase in interest in supporting the Republic of Moldova was also shown at the NATO ministerial held last November when, for the first time, the Republic of Moldova's Foreign Minister was invited to such a discussion table. These are indicators that there is mutual interest. It is not enough that citizens, civil society want a closer, more intense partnership with the North Atlantic Alliance, but the political decision-makers must also be consistent in their relationship with NATO and insist on promoting the relations achieved".
At the NATO summit in Vilnius, a joint declaration of the allies was signed, including the Republic of Moldova. The declaration states that NATO calls on Russia to withdraw its troops illegally stationed in the Transnistrian region. The alliance also reiterated its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova.
