Speaker attends Moldova Security Forum

Chisinau, Nov. 19 /MOLDPRES/- Moldova is determined to strengthen its role as a credible partner, capable to contribute to solving global challenges. Speaker Igor Grosu made the statement at the opening of the first edition of Moldova Security Forum, the parliament's communication and public relations department has reported.

The speaker noted that in the 1,000 days of heroic struggle by Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova has learned a number of lessons: who are the country's friends and enemies, and it can no longer hide behind the phrase neutrality, as it did for 30 years, when the state institutions of force were disregarded. According to the official, in recent years Moldova has been the target of unprecedented hybrid attacks, which stepped up in the context of the presidential elections and the referendum on European integration. "Disinformation, cyber attacks, vote buying, fake bomb alerts and other attempts to destabilize democratic processes have been organized to hijack our will and our path to be part of the great European family. However, Moldova has resisted. Our citizens demonstrated exemplary mobilization, protecting democracy and European path", Grosu said.

In the context, he noted that the justice reform is vital for national security and for achieving the strategic goal of European integration: "Unfortunately, the justice system has failed to do enough to combat vote theft and corruption. This is where we will have to draw the line and correct where we went wrong. Corruption not only undermines citizens' trust in institutions, but creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited by external actors. Moldova cannot be a safe state if corruption cases are delayed or if those involved in fraud go unpunished," he said.

Another security objective is the modernization of the National Army. "It is in the interest of all Moldovans to have a modern and well-prepared Army for its basic mission - protection of peace in the Republic of Moldova, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country," Grosu added.

Moldova Security Forum takes place on November 19-20 and is dedicated to addressing the biggest national and regional security challenges. The Forum brings together officials, politicians, representatives of international organizations and experts of various sectors.