Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi meets NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss strengthening cooperation in security and defence

11 March 2026, Brussels - During his working visit to Brussels, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, held a meeting at NATO Headquarters with the Alliance's Secretary General, Mark Rutte.

The discussions focused on the evolution and prospects for strengthening the partnership between the Republic of Moldova and NATO. Cooperation in areas such as strengthening national resilience, modernising the security and defence sector, aligning with Euro-Atlantic standards, and contributing to regional stability, including in the Black Sea region, was also addressed.

Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi underlined that in recent years the Moldova-NATO partnership has developed into practical cooperation aimed at delivering concrete results for the modernisation of the security and defence sector in line with new standards.

The Moldovan official reiterated that the Republic of Moldova's vision is to act as a reliable partner of NATO. He noted that the country's strategic objective is to deepen and expand the existing partnership by making full use of current cooperation mechanisms, including the Moldova-NATO Individual Partnership Programme (ITPP) and the Defence and Related Security Capacity Building Initiative.

"The Republic of Moldova's ability to withstand multiple interferences in recent times is clear proof of the resilience and unity of our society, as well as of the solidarity of our partners. We are grateful to our Euro-Atlantic partners for their support over time. Cooperation with NATO has contributed to strengthening state institutions and advancing democratic reforms in the Republic of Moldova," said Mihai Popșoi.

For his part, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed the Alliance's support for the Republic of Moldova and its readiness to continue cooperation with the authorities in Chișinău.

"The relationship between NATO and the Republic of Moldova is based on a solid partnership of over 30 years. We appreciate the efforts undertaken by the Republic of Moldova in the face of current challenges and welcome its determination to continue its European path, as well as its continued support for Ukraine. We want to continue close cooperation with the authorities in Chișinău, and NATO stands ready to provide the necessary support," said Mark Rutte.

Minister Mihai Popșoi also exchanged views with the ambassadors of NATO member states within the North Atlantic Council, where he spoke about recent developments in the Republic of Moldova and the priorities of the new Government in the field of security and defence. In his remarks, the official underlined the importance of advanced and pragmatic dialogue and cooperation with NATO, as well as the role of the partnership in strengthening state resilience and supporting regional stability.