Stoltenberg: NATO Asks Russia to Withdraw Troops from Moldova’s Territory

North Atlantic Alliance Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made the statement during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Dorin Recean. “NATO and Moldova have been cooperating for 30 years and in these very challenging times we are further enhancing our partnership. Moscow continues to put pressure on Moldova, including energy blackmail and disinformation, to destabilize society and undermine your democracy. But Moldova has responded decisively, condemning the invasion of Ukraine and strengthening its resilience and security at home. NATO fully supports Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We ask Russia to withdraw its troops from your territory. You can rely on our constant support. Earlier this year, NATO approved a substantial assistance package to strengthen your cyber security and strategic communications, and to enhance your defense capabilities. Moreover, at the Vilnius Summit, we decided to strengthen practical and political cooperation,” Stoltenberg said. According to him, support offered by NATO will help Moldova, among others, on its path to EU membership. Stoltenberg thanked Moldova for its contribution to the KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. In turn, Prime Minister Dorin Recean claimed that Moldova is committed to developing its defense potential. “We appreciate very much the support of NATO and its member states, we are strengthening our defense capabilities, and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has forced us to make even greater efforts. Together with our comrades, we are increasing the resilience of society and institutions as well as our defense capacity. We are ready to participate in international missions as well as in exercises that will strengthen our capabilities and interoperability. Once again, I would like to express our gratitude to NATO and its member states,” Recean said. The prime minister is in Brussels, where he will hold a dialogue with allies in the framework of the North Atlantic Council, chaired by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana.