Defense Ministry Head - Pistorius promises Moldova ongoing assistance.
Boris Pistorius, the Defense Minister, has pledged assistance to Moldova, a small neighboring country, in facing troubles from Moscow. During a meeting with Anatolie Nosatii, his Moldovan counterpart, in Chisinau's capital, Pistorius said, "We'll work together to combat Russian endeavors to carry out hybrids warfare to destabilize other nations." Moldova is a part of the European family and has made substantial progress towards accession talks with the European Union.
Hybrid warfare involves traditional military actions, economic pressure, cyber attacks, and propaganda via media and social networks.
Additional Support for Moldova Against Russia
Pistorius guaranteed Moldova further aid in resisting threats from Russia. Agreements for the delivery of additional 14 Piranha-3H-type armored vehicles have been sealed. So far, 19 of these vehicles have been provided to Moldova by 2023. The delivery of portable missile defense systems is projected to commence in the upcoming year. Furthermore, Germany supports Moldova in defending drones.
Besides, Germany is arranging for first-aid kits valued at roughly one million euros to be delivered to the entire Moldovan military, according to Pistorius. The goal is to enhance the readiness of Moldova's defense.
Nosatii expressed gratitude towards Germany for its support through humanitarian projects and assistance in the logistics field over the past three decades. So far, more than 430 Moldovan soldiers have undergone training in various areas, such as medical, artillery, and military training. He now wishes to have "sufficient defense capabilities, to maintain peace, and to guarantee a secure and prosperous environment for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova," according to an official translation.
German-Moldavian Military Collaboration since 2003
The German-Moldavian military collaboration dates back to 2003, when an agreement on cooperation in the military sector was finalized. Nosatii showed Pistorius examples of projects unveiled in a barracks, instigated by Germany to make the country more resistant to destabilization attempts from Moscow. These included various Piranha-type transport vehicles.
Moldova's Pro-European President, Maia Sandu, is attempting to strengthen ties with the EU, where her country has been a candidate for accession for around two years. However, Russia wields significant influence in the impoverished ex-Soviet nation with a population of around 2.5 million. This is especially true in the separatist region of Transnistria, where Russian soldiers have been stationed since the 1990s. In the context of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, there are continuous concerns that Moscow could leverage unrest in the region as an excuse to intensify the situation.
Read also:
Pistorius' promise of ongoing assistance to Moldova is supported by the German Federal Government, demonstrating Germany's commitment to international cooperation. The delivery of additional Piranha-3H-type armored vehicles and portable missile defense systems to Moldova is coordinated by Germany, aiming to bolster its defense capabilities. Boris Pistorius also announced the provision of one million euros worth of first-aid kits to the Moldovan military, further enhancing its readiness.
In recognition of Germany's support, Moldova's Defense Minister, Anatolie Nosatii, expressed gratitude for Germany's assistance in humanitarian projects and logistics over the past three decades. The German-Moldavian military collaboration, established in 2003, has led to the implementation of various projects in Moldova aimed at increasing the country's resistance to destabilization attempts from Russia.
Moreover, German training programs have benefited over 430 Moldovan soldiers in different areas such as medical, artillery, and military training. This collaboration has been significant in strengthening Moldova's defense capabilities, especially in the context of its pro-European stance and Russia's influence in the separatist region of Transnistria.
During Pistorius' visit to Chisinau, the Defense Ministers discussed the concerns surrounding Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and the potential for Moscow to use unrest in Transnistria as an excuse to intensify the situation. Boris Pistorius is a member of the SPD, Germany's Social Democratic Party, which is part of the Federal Government.
Russia's significant influence in Moldova, especially in Transnistria, poses ongoing challenges for the small neighboring country in its pursuit of European integration. The EU has acknowledged Moldova as a candidate for accession since 2005, and Moldova's pro-European President, Maia Sandu, is working to further strengthen ties with the EU. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing international cooperation and support, such as that pledged by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
