Minister of Defense Anatolie Nosatyi reiterated Moldova’s commitment to the initiatives of the South-Eastern Europe Defense Ministerial (SEDM) Process to contribute to regional and international peace and stability, as well as to the maintenance of good neighborly relations and cooperation in the field of defense among the states of South-Eastern Europe. The statement was made at the SEDM Meeting held in Tirana, Albania, IPN reports.
In his message to the countries participating in the meeting, Anatolie Nosatyi reaffirmed Moldova’s commitment to increase its contribution to the implementation of SEDM projects. "The war waged by the Russian Federation in Ukraine continues to generate negative effects and challenges on regional security. This situation is simultaneously a sign that we need to strengthen our efforts and continue the initiated reforms to protect global peace, stability and security. The platform to increase the resilience of the SEDM member states and other projects of this kind are welcome and require constant commitment, cooperation and a common vision for a peaceful and secure future," the minister noted, quoted in a press release.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Anatolie Nosatyi had a series of meetings with officials and counterparts from partner states, including the Minister of National Defense of Romania Angel Tilvar. The two ministers discussed the recent developments of the security situation in the Black Sea region and the importance of the assistance provided by the Romanian side in increasing the resilience of the Republic of Moldova in the face of current challenges.
The sides also referred to Moldova's firm commitment in the context of the strategic objective of European integration, which will ensure the country's multi-level development, but also a safer, more stable and prosperous environment for the citizens. Angel Tilvar appreciated Moldova's participation in the SEDM for the first time as a full-fledged member, which is "an important step in the country's integration into the regional security cooperation bodies."
In Tirana, the Minister of Defense also talked to Italy’s Undersecretary of State for Defense Matteo Perego di Cremnago. Among the main topics of discussion was the current state of bilateral defense cooperation, with emphasis on the Italian side’s contribution to ensuring the participation of the National Army’s contingents in the KFOR peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and UNIFIL in Lebanon.
Moldova was accepted to participate in the meetings of the SEDM Process in 2003, with the status of observer and credible contributor to maintaining stability and security in the world. A year ago, Moldova was accepted as a full-fledged member of the SEDM Process.
The SEDM is a regional initiative that contributes to strengthening political-military cooperation relations and maintaining stability and security in South-Eastern Europe by promoting regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations, as well as strengthening regional defence capabilities. Since 2023, the presidency of the SEDM has been held by Romania.
