UK Signs Defence Deal With Moldova

A new UK-Moldova Defence and Security Partnership launched [last week], building on extensive cooperation between the two countries and strengthening Moldovan resilience against external threats. This partnership will bolster support for the sovereignty, security and stability of Ukraine, helping to strengthen national security at home in the face of increasing Russian aggression. 

The Foreign Secretary has committed to working with President Sandu, who won re-election earlier this month, despite unprecedented Russian interference, to bolster Moldova’s resilience against the growing Russian hybrid threats they face. He will also offer UK support to tackle corruption in the region.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: 

“Moldova is a vital security partner for the UK, which is why to reinforce their resilience against Russian aggression and to keep British streets safe, I am deepening cooperation on irregular migration and launching a new Defence and Security Partnership.”

“With Ukraine next door, Moldovans are constantly reminded of Russia’s oppression, imperialism and aggression.”

“Despite unprecedented Kremlin interference, the people of Moldova have chosen freedom, democracy, and independence. A decision we must help them protect.”

While in the Moldovan capital, Chișinău, the Foreign Secretary will visit Cybercor, Moldova’s national institute of cybersecurity innovations, where he announced a £2 million uplift to the Future Technologies Activity. This funding will be vital to improving Moldova’s resilience to hostile cyber activity by developing emerging talent, setting security standards and conducting cyber exercises. Research shows that since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, cyberattacks in Moldova have more than tripled.   

The Foreign Secretary has also announced measures to support Moldova in tackling corruption, with the introduction of a new £600,00 project to bolster their capability to analyse, assess and disseminate suspicious financial activity, alongside the donation of six analytic tool licences to detect, trace, investigate and seize cryptocurrency.

To read more, please visit the government's website.