“We are strengthening the Lithuanian-Moldovan cooperation, we will continue our bilateral support to Moldova in the area of defence. We were providing consultations to the Ukrainians on military training and defence reform before the war was started, now we can transfer the experience to Moldova,” Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas says.
On November 22 Minister of National Defence A. Anušauskas had a meeting with Minister of Defence of Moldova Anatolie Nosatîi on a visit in Lithuania and signed a bilateral agreement thus consolidating guidance for the enhancement of the two countries’ military cooperation. Lithuania will provide assistance to the Ministry of Defence of Moldova in developing strategic communication and cybersecurity capabilities, and modernization of NCO corps.
“We share Moldova’s concerns about the intense threat posed by Russia in the Black Sea region. Russia is using military, political and economic levers to exercise influence what it pretends to be its sphere of influence. Russia is building up military capabilities in the Baltic Sea region. We have to demonstrate unity, seek NATO and security assurances and U.S. support side by side with Moldova,” says A. Anušauskas.
According to Minister, Lithuania seeks relevant NATO attention to Eastern Partners and encourages them to deepen the cooperation on their side, use the opportunity for democratic reform and strengthen military capabilities using EU instruments.
Defence cooperation of Lithuania and Moldova dates back to 2004. Since then, Moldovan officers are invited to short-term security studies course and seminars in Lithuania, English language training and Junior Staff Officer Course (JSOC) at the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania.
Moldovan military also improve qualification at paramedic courses and international instructor courses at the Lithuanian Armed Forces School. In 2019-2022 the Embassy of Lithuania in Moldova carries out the functions of the NATO Contact Point Embassy. The Embassy of Lithuania holds public diplomacy events to increase the resilience of the Moldovan civic society to disinformation and hybrid threats.
Photo credits: MoD / K. Kavolėlis
