Moldova: Joint press statement following the third High-Level Political and Security Dialogue with the EU

The third EU-Republic of Moldova High-Level Political and Security Dialogue was held in Chișinău on 25 April 2024.

The Dialogue reconfirmed the mutual commitment and interest of the parties to continue enhancing their cooperation in the field of common foreign and security policy, in line with the Republic of Moldova's EU candidate status.

Deputy Secretary-General Enrique Mora said: "The third edition of the High-Level Political and Security Dialogue confirms our intense cooperation with Moldova, which the EU intends to elevate to a new strategic level. Today's meeting takes place against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. The spill-over effects are still present - as shown by repeated violations of Moldova's airspace by Russian missiles and drones. Moldova has responded resolutely to hybrid actions led by Russia and its proxies, displaying remarkable resilience while continuing to advance on its EU path. The EU will continue its comprehensive support to Moldova's resilience, including through the EU Partnership Mission (EUPM)".

Deputy Prime Minister Mihail Popșoi said: "We are advancing security and defence cooperation with the EU. The EU support and assistance is crucial in making Moldova more resilient and able to counter hybrid threats, strengthen cyber security and deal with many other challenges. As a candidate country, Moldova is a committed partner willing also to contribute more to the EU stabilization and crisis management efforts. The biggest challenge remains the Russian aggression against Ukraine and it is a crucial moment for helping our neighbour."

The participants discussed the challenges Moldova is facing due to Russia's hybrid actions, aimed at destabilising the country and steering it away from its reform-oriented and pro-European trajectory. The EU expressed high appreciation for Moldova's resilience and resolve in this context.

Cooperation in the field of security was a central topic of discussion. The EU expressed appreciation for Moldova's increased alignment of EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and discussed Moldova's future contributions to CSDP Missions and Operations. Continuation of the EU's support to Moldova through the European Peace Facility was discussed as well. The Moldovan side expressed its appreciation for the EU's assistance and expertise-sharing in the area of cyber security, hybrid threats and fighting disinformation, including through the valuable contribution of the EUPM.

The participants also discussed the regional security situation, as well as a number of international issues.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs / Political Director of the European External Action Service, Mr Enrique Mora, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mr Mihail Popșoi.

The EU-Republic of Moldova High-Level Political and Security Dialogue takes place on an annual basis, with the next meeting scheduled to take place in Brussels in 2025.

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