Amid hybrid threats and attempted interference from Russia, Sweden considers continued defense cooperation with Moldova essential. The Nordic country reaffirmed its support for Moldova’s democracy and European integration, emphasizing the need for steady progress toward EU accession. Peter Hultqvist, Chair of the Defense Committee of the Swedish Parliament, shared this message during his visit to Chisinau in an interview with IPN.
“We believe it is pivotal to continue cooperation with Ukraine and Moldova. And we are ready, based on the agreement we have with Moldova and the memorandum of understanding, to continue defense cooperation. We have done and will continue to do more,” stated Peter Hultqvist.
Sweden actively develops drone swarms and loitering munitions to boost its defense. Hultqvist mentioned modern technology as a key focus when asked about cooperation in modern defense technologies.
“We want to see Moldova as part of the European family in the future. We want Moldova to be a democratic state. We will defend it against Russian infiltration and hybrid activities. And we also want Moldova to have the capacity to defend itself,” he underlined.
FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT NEWS, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!
Hultqvist acknowledged Moldova’s significant experience in dealing with hybrid threats. He also noted that Russia performs hybrid operations in Finland, Sweden, and other European countries, with tactics tailored to each country.
“We can learn a lot by observing how they [the Russians] operate within Moldovan society. But working together to develop tools to defend against these Russian actions is equally important. And we have an agency in Sweden that is directly involved in projects here in Moldova related to hybrid warfare,” added Hultqvist.
Regarding Moldova’s preparedness to counter threats stemming from the war in Ukraine—especially hybrid ones—the Swedish official noted that Moldova is steadily building its capacity to respond to such challenges.
Hultqvist carried out his visit to Moldova at the invitation of Lilian Carp, Chair of the Moldovan Parliament’s Committee for National Security, Defense, and Public Order.