CHISINAU. Aug 29 (Interfax) - Moldovan Prime Minister Maia Sandu has said that Chisinau is starting to discuss a new Moldova-NATO plan of action.
"This year we will discuss a new plan of action as part of Moldova-NATO cooperation and also the further development of Moldova's defense as part of the support program," Sandu said at a joint press conference with U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton in Chisinau on Thursday.
"The U.S. provides $15 million in defense assistance annually, which is why this cooperation is highly important for Moldova," she said. "We have been working to bolster the national defense system and enable it to successfully cope both with conventional and hybrid threats."
Bolton's visit to Chisinau "confirms the United States' role as a strategic partner for the republic," Sandu said, noting the support of "American partners for the authorities' efforts to restore democracy in Moldova in the post-occupation period in the state."
The sides also discussed steps to "support the strengthening and consolidation of Moldova's defense, which plays an important role in ensuring the independence, sovereignty and [territorial] integrity of Moldova," the prime minister said.
They also discussed "the [Moldovan] government's priorities based on citizens' expectations" such as the crackdown on large-scale corruption, poverty reduction measures, opportunities for economic development, and energy diversification, Sandu said, expressing hope for further cooperation with the U.S. in these areas.
Moldova has been cooperating with NATO on the basis of their Individual Partnership Action Plans (IPAP) since 2005. The sides are currently nearing the conclusion of their 2017-2019 IPAP.