Moldova wants to have NATO bureau in its territory

Moldovan Defense Minister Viorel Cibotaru has discussed Moldova-NATO relations with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

During their meeting in Brussels, Cibotaru and Stoltenberg discussed Moldova’s Individual Partnership Action Plan for 2014-2016 and ways to improve the country defense system.

Cibotaru said that Moldova and NATO have common ideals and values. The Moldovan DM is confident that specific joint projects with NATO will help Moldova to enhance its defense capacity.

“Today NATO defense ministers are to approve a package for enhancing Moldova’s defense capacity. I have confirmed that we want to have a NATO bureau in our territory as this would promote our political dialogue and cooperation with the alliance,” Cibotaru said.

Stoltenberg said that NATO respects Moldova’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence. He said that the abovementioned package is aimed at helping Moldova to meet new challenges and to protect its ideals and values.

Cibotaru’s visit to Brussels was preceded by a conference on the future of the NATO-Moldova partnership in the face of new challenges in the region.