Macron, Sandu to Sign Defense Pact Amid Regional Tensions
According to his office, French President Emmanuel Macron and Moldovan leader Maia Sandu are scheduled to sign a defense cooperation agreement in Paris on Thursday, amidst escalating tensions between Chisinau and pro-Russian separatists.
Their meeting in the French capital comes after pro-Russian officials in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria recently sought Russia’s “protection,” raising concerns that the area could become another flashpoint in Moscow’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The Elysee Palace announced on Wednesday that Mr. Macron and Ms. Sandu will engage in discussions aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation across various domains.
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Additionally, a statement from Macron’s office mentioned that a defence cooperation agreement and an economic cooperation roadmap will be signed during the visit, although no additional details were provided. Mr. Macron caused a stir in Europe last week by refusing to rule out the deployment of Western ground troops to Ukraine.
Russian Involvement in Moldova’s Destabilization Efforts
According to the French Foreign Ministry, Russia is highly likely to be behind destabilization efforts in Moldova. Situated between Ukraine and EU member Romania, Moldova aims to join the European Union and has attained EU candidate status.
Ms. Sandu has accused Russia of orchestrating attempts to overthrow her government. Moscow closely monitors France’s efforts to strengthen relations with former Soviet nations. Officials aligned with Russia in Transnistria, Moldova’s breakaway region, have sought Russia’s “protection.”
Macron’s Support for Moldova Amidst Russian Presence
Russia has stationed troops and peacekeepers in Transdniestria, a separatist region of Moldova that has preserved its autonomy for thirty years with the backing of the Kremlin.
According to a statement from the French presidency on Wednesday, President Emmanuel Macron will sign defense and economic cooperation agreements during his meeting with his counterpart Maia Sandu in Paris.
The statement emphasized Macron’s commitment to supporting the independence, sovereignty, and security of the Republic of Moldova, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
Defense Pact: Training, Upgrades, Radar Acquisition
In September, the two nations reached a preliminary agreement encompassing the training of military personnel, ongoing defense discussions, and the exchange of intelligence.
The letter of intent also outlined Paris’s commitment to aiding Chisinau in exploring options for enhancing its military capabilities, such as potentially acquiring anti-air defense capabilities akin to France’s Mistral system.
Additionally, the acquisition of the Thales-made GM200 radar has been announced, enhancing aerial surveillance capabilities for improved detection and monitoring of targets transitioning from low to very high altitudes.
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