Short statements

by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with the Prime Minister of Moldova, Dorin Recean

  • 26 Oct. 2023 -
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  • Last updated: 26 Oct. 2023 08:51

(As delivered)

Prime Minister Recean,
Dear Dorin,

Welcome to NATO.
It is a great pleasure to welcome you here.

NATO and the Republic of Moldova have worked together for 30 years.
And in these very challenging times, we are further deepening our partnership.

Moscow continues to apply pressure on Moldova,
Including energy blackmail and disinformation,
With the aim of destabilising your society and undermining your democracy.

But Moldova has responded with resolve.
Condemning Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
And strengthening your resilience and security at home.

NATO fully supports Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
And we call on Russia to withdraw its forces from your territory.
You can count on our continued assistance.

Earlier this year, NATO agreed a substantial package,
to help strengthen your cyber defences and strategic communications,
and enhance your defence capacity.
And at the Vilnius Summit, Allies agreed to continue stepping up our practical and political cooperation.

This will also help you on the path towards EU membership.

Let me also thank Moldova for contributing to our KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.
Stability in the Western Balkans matters for all of us.

So once again Prime Minister, it is great to have you here. We have a great partnership with Moldova, and I look forward to our meeting. So welcome to NATO.