Moldova and France are about to bolster their bilateral relations by signing defence and economic cooperation accords in a major diplomatic step. The announcement came ahead of Moldovan President Maia Sandu’s scheduled visit to Paris on Thursday.
Against the backdrop of escalating concerns over Russia’s alleged attempts to destabilize Moldova, Western powers are rallying to bolster support for the Eastern European nation. President Sandu’s visit will take place at the same time when Western nations get together for a high-level audio conference led by France to discuss how to improve aid to both Moldova and Ukraine.
Moldova grapples with limited defence capabilities and enduringly strained relations with Moscow. Notably, Russia maintains a military presence, including troops and peacekeepers, in Transdniestria, a breakaway region of Moldova backed by the Kremlin for the past three decades.
President Macron’s upcoming reaffirmation of France’s unwavering support for Moldova’s independence, sovereignty, and security was highlighted during the French presidency.
Specific details regarding these agreements have yet to be disclosed. Recent developments have seen the Transdniestria region solicit Russia’s economic assistance to withstand perceived pressure from Moldova, a move dismissed by the pro-European Chisinau government as a propaganda stunt.
