The EU will continue to help Moldova in the reform process and strengthen its sustainability in a number of areas.
This was stated by Enrique Mora, Under Secretary General for Political Affairs and Political Director of the European External Action Service, after the second EU-Moldova High Level Dialogue on Politics and Security which took place in Brussels on 23-24 March following its launch in Chisinau on 18 March 2022. The European External Action Service said the high level dialogue confirmed the mutual commitments and interests of the sides to expand and strengthen cooperation on foreign and security policy in the EU and Moldova. Under Secretary General for Political Affairs and Political Director of the European External Action Service, Enrique Mora, said the exchange of views on the security challenges Moldova is facing was most timely, given the constant attempts by Russia and its supporters to destabilize the situation in Moldova. He stressed that the EU remains firmly in solidarity with Moldova and will continue to support it in its reform process, as well as to strengthen its resilience on several fronts. "The EU is engaged in stepping up its partnership with Moldova in the field of defence and security, having in mind the new strategic phase of our relations since Moldova became an EU candidate country last year. In the present difficult environment for Moldova’s and wider European security, we remain committed to strengthening the capacities of the Moldovan government and working together on addressing issues of common interest," Enrique Mora said. For his part, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and European Integration Minister Nicu Popescu said that Moldova's cooperation with the EU in the security and defense sectors reaches a new strategic level. He said the EU, through numerous instruments, already provides Moldova with assistance aimed at building stability and resilience to key challenges. Moldova is also ready to contribute more to the EU's CSDP missions. "In coming months we will step up cooperation on countering hybrid threats, disinformation, strengthen cyber security, crisis management. All this is a very important part of Moldova’s accession process to the EU," the MFAEI head emphasized. The participants in the meeting discussed the consequences of the war in Ukraine, both for Moldova and for the entire region. The EU welcomed Moldova's firm position in condemning Russian aggression. The EU also appreciated Moldova's support in the context of the EU's "solidarity lanes" initiative. Participants noted that Moldova has also begun the process of gradual compliance with EU sanctions. They also discussed the challenges faced by Moldova as a result of Russia's hybrid actions, including the use of energy as a weapon and organized protests. The EU expressed full solidarity and praised Moldova's resilience in the face of all these onslaughts. Security cooperation was a central topic of discussion. The EU thanked Moldova for its continued participation in the EU training mission in Mali and welcomed its interest in participating in EUFOR ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU training mission in Somalia. Continued EU support through the European Peace Facility was also discussed. The Moldovan side expressed gratitude for EU assistance and exchange of experience in cybersecurity, hybrid threats and combating disinformation. Participants also discussed the state of the Transnistrian conflict settlement process. The EU reiterated its firm support for Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders with a special status for the Transnistrian region. //27.03.2023 - InfoMarket.
