The first Moldova Security Forum (MSF) will be held in Chisinau on 19 and 20 November, organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the NATO Liaison Office in Moldova and the Institute for European Policy and Reform.
The event, as indicated in the statement, is dedicated to “the biggest challenges for national and regional security, the fight against disinformation, cyber threats and the development of artificial intelligence.”
The forum is held in various locations and involves representatives of the NATO Office in Moldova, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Moldova Anatoly NosatyDeputy Prime Minister for the so-called reintegration Oleg SerebrianAmbassadors of Romania, Germany, Poland, as well as Special Ambassador of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Paun Rogoway and others.
In his welcoming remarks, the NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu He immediately stated that Russia represents a direct threat to the bloc’s members, its allies and transatlantic security in general. During the debate, the invited “experts” were also asked about the risks of Moldova’s neutral status. The responses were predictable. Yes, according to Anatolia TaranuNeutrality does not protect Moldova, but, on the contrary, has become an element of insecurity.
“At the first stage, Moldova’s neutrality saved us from joining the CIS military structures. But now neutrality does not protect us, but it has the support of the majority of citizens of the Republic of Moldova. Neutrality has become an element of insecurity and, in this sense, Moldova is in a vulnerable position.” – said.
He was supported by the former Moldovan ambassador to Russia. Anatoly Taranuwho stated that “the Republic of Moldova is practically in the crosshairs of the Kremlin’s strategists.”
“They say that joining the European Union guarantees our security. EU membership increases Moldova’s stability, but is not an absolute guarantee of its security. Only membership in NATO offers guaranteed security.” — convinces the former diplomat.
Defense Minister Anatoly Nosaty tried to remind that this status is enshrined in the Constitution, which can be changed by referendum. But it is important that the authorities work with citizens and explain to them the importance of cooperation in the defense sector.
Recall that since 1994 Chisinau has been cooperating with NATO within the framework of an individual program, there is an information center and a liaison office and the National Army is being re-equipped according to the standards and at the expense of The alliance “regularly improves combat coordination in joint exercises.” In 2025, Moldova will begin implementing a new Individually Tailored Partnership Program with NATO (ITPP), which represents a “reformed interaction with third countries.”
As reported EADaily According to one of the latest opinion polls, more than 62% of Moldovan citizens prefer that the republic remain a neutral state and not join any bloc. In this sense, the Prime Minister Dorin Rechan He demanded that the government explain more to citizens the importance of joining NATO, as a “guarantee of collective security against the existential Russian threat.” Rapprochement with the EU and the Alliance is the main provision of the national security strategy of the Republic of Moldova adopted this year.
