Chisinau: Britain and Romania have reaffirmed their commitment to Moldova offering critical support as the country continues to navigate the fallout from Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The partnership was formalised with the signing of a new security and defence agreement, aimed at bolstering Moldova’s resilience against external threats.
The announcement came during a visit by the foreign ministers of Britain and Romania, just over two weeks after Moldova’s pro-European President Maia Sandu secured re-election, albeit with a narrower margin than anticipated.
Pleased to meet @DavidLammy on his visit to Chișinău. We discussed expanding trade, tackling corruption together, building Moldova’s resilience, and enhancing regional security. Grateful for the UK’s steadfast support—an enduring and valued partner for Moldova. pic.twitter.com/zEl9U9FKVo
— Maia Sandu (@sandumaiamd) November 20, 2024
This visit highlights the continued importance of Moldova, a former Soviet republic situated between Ukraine and Romania, as it faces the consequences of regional instability.
The newly signed security partnership aims to further solidify the already extensive cooperation between the UK and Moldova. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy underscored the growing importance of supporting Moldova, particularly in light of the significant influx of Ukrainian refugees, including 50,000 children, who have sought refuge since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
The agreement also encompasses practical measures such as a 2-million-pound ($2.52 million) deal to enhance Moldova’s protection against cyberattacks and a 5-million-pound grant to bolster healthcare services for refugees. Additionally, the two countries signed a re-admission agreement to ensure the safe return of Moldovan nationals who are residing illegally in the UK.
Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu expressed her strong support for Moldova’s pro-European stance, noting the success of the country’s recent elections and highlighting the historical and linguistic ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Dorin Recean presented an updated version of Moldova’s constitution, which includes provisions for deeper integration with the European Union. The move further solidifies Moldova’s strategic goal of becoming a fully integrated EU member, reflecting the nation’s aspirations for stability and prosperity amidst the ongoing regional crisis.
RECOMMENDED | Australia to ban social media for under-16s with “World-Leading” legislation
