„Moldova manifests an interest in strengthening the relations with NATO”

4 August 2015

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„Moldova manifests an interest in strengthening the relations with NATO”

The Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici made Tuesday several declarations at the Headquarters of NATO from Bruxelles that seem to indicate that he intends to strengthen the relations of the Republic of Moldova with NATO. What is the opinion of the Moldovan ambassador at NATO, Mihai Gribincea, regarding the chances of such a perspective? 

Mihai Gribincea: „First of all I would like to point out that Mister Prime Minister, even during the press conference, said that the Republic of Moldova is interested in strengthening  the relation with NATO. Secondly, during the same press conference, the Prime Minister said that the Republic of Moldova  is interested in opening a NATO office in Chișinău. Thirdly, it is very important that Mister Prime Minister pointed out the Republic of Moldova’s interest in actively participating in the two initiatives launched  at the last NATO summit, from Wales, in September, especially within the Interoperability Platform and the Defense Capacity Building Initiative. I believe these are three very important results of the visit and meetings held by Mister Prime Minister at the Headquarters of NATO.”

Free Europe: There have been talks before about a NATO Office in Chișinău and, according to the previously announced dates, there should have already been adopted a decision regarding that.

Mihai Gribincea: „The opening of the Office is a process. The Government of the Republic of Moldova must sign an agreement with NATO in that regard. It includes several provisions which, probably, must be approved by the Government. It’s important that a progress in the process of opening the Office was already registered.”

Free Europe: Is the ball now o the territory of the Government from Chișinău? The political decision, so to say, was already taken by NATO?

Mihai Gribincea: „The political decision has been already taken both by the authorities from Chișinău and those of NATO. Now the ways of implementing these decisions must be discussed on the ways. We are working on a project in this regard.”

Free Europe: If I may ask for your opinion: doesn’t this story last too long?  

Mihai Gribincea: „We must take into consideration the fact that we had a political situation in Chișinău that slowed down a little the process. Practically, the officials from the Headquarters of NATO have been waiting for the new Government to  reconfirm its interest in this subject. This reconfirmation took place during this visit and I think that this is a very positive thing”.

Free Europe: Regarding these two initiatives, relatively new, the Interoperability Platform and Defence Capacity, what is the current situation?  

Mihai Gribincea: „Again, an interest from Chișinău in this regard has been confirmed, but, more than that, related to that, even last week the Republic of Moldova has presented its project, a package of measures for increasing the defence capacities.

We presented a package of measures to the Headquarters of NATO from the Republic of Moldova. Now, the allies must discuss and propose their vision on how this decision can be implemented.

Since the second half of last year Chișinău has been visited by many NATO officials, as experts, who have elaborated a study regarding the defence capacities of Moldova. This study will stay at the base of those decision that will be implemented in this package of measures.”