The USA and Romania are strengthening their security relations with the Republic of Moldova through a joint military exercise that took place in September. NATO allies Romania and the United States have enhanced their relations with the Republic of Moldova, a NATO partner country, through the Rapid Trident 2023 exercise held from September 10 to 22 in Moldova, according to a statement by the Alliance, as reported by Caleaeuropeană.ro.
Troops from the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division, currently stationed in Romania, and the Romanian Army trained in ground navigation, small unit tactics, and combat casualty care alongside over 200 soldiers from the Moldovan Army.
Soldiers familiarized themselves with each other’s standard operating procedures, enhancing their ability to work efficiently together in a crisis situation.
Bordering Romania and Ukraine, Moldova declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Relations with NATO began in 1992 when Moldova joined the North Atlantic Cooperation Council, a dialogue forum that brings together all allies and partner countries from the Euro-Atlantic area, later succeeded by the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council.
In 1994, the country joined the NATO Partnership for Peace program.
The program encourages practical bilateral cooperation and allows partners to build an individual relationship with NATO by choosing their own cooperation priorities.
Following Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO allies committed to contributing to the strengthening of security institutions in the Republic of Moldova and enhancing their resilience.