Minister of National Defence, Vasile Dincu, and the Defecne Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Anatolie Nosatii, had an official meeting on Wednesday, 8 June, at the MoND Headquarters.

During the talks, the two officials approached aspects related to the regional security situation in the context of the Russian Federation's military aggression against Ukraine.

The security situation from Ukraine, generated by the Russian Federation's unjustified and brutal invasion of Ukraine, worries us because it creates multiple crises. This cruel war generated not only extremely serious military and security issues but also a humanitarian catastrophe and an energetic crisis. To all these add the premises of a global food crisis, minister Dincu stated.

In this context, the two ministers emphasized the actions taken in order to manage the unprecedented number of Ukrainian refugees emphasizing Romania's and the Republic of Moldova's efforts as well as the exemplary mobilization of the civilian society and citizens in receiving and taking care of the people seeking refuge away from the horrific war taking place in the neighboring country.

Another important topic listed on the meeting agenda was our country's support of the Republic of Moldova throughout its European integration process.

The place of the Republic of Moldova is in the great European family and must obtain the EU candidate country status immediately. I would like to congratulate the authorities from Chisinau for the fast submission of the second part of the European Commission accession questionnaire, which points out its determination in gaining its membership status, minister Dincu mentioned.

The two officials reviewed aspects of common interest on the defence bilateral cooperation agenda, by focusing on the implementation status of the common projects and cooperation priorities.

Romania firmly asserts its availability and interest in increasing cooperation with the National Armed Force of the Republic of Moldova for their reciprocal benefit and in supporting its modernization steps and the efforts made to increase its operational capacity and interoperability level, minister Dincu added. In the context of the talks referring to the relations between the Republic of Moldova and NATO, the Romanian Defence Minister also pointed out the importance of the reciprocal commitment made for the implementation of the lines of effort adjacent to the Consolidation package of the defence capacity dedicated to the Republic of Moldova.

Minister of National Defence also appreciated the involvement of Chisinau in the consolidation of regional security, by means of the Moldovan soldiers' participation in the allied KFOR Mission in Kosovo as well as the decision to participate, in the near future, in the UN Peace-keeping Missions, respectively the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

At the end of the meeting, the two officials emphasized the importance of maintaining a constant political-military dialogue for a more effective and coordinated action and continuing the common efforts dedicated to consolidate the Strategic Partnership.

During his visit to the MoND, minister Anatolie Nosatii awarded Lieutenant General Marian Sima, the chief of Military Intelligence Directorate, the Consolidation of Weapons' Fellowship Medal.

The Press Office