Moldovan FM to take part in NATO summit events

CHISINAU. July 3 (Interfax) - Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi has said he will participate in a number of events as part of a NATO summit in Washington next week.

"As our partnership with NATO develops, Moldova will have more opportunities and capabilities for developing its economy and ensuring the people's safe and secure lives," Popsoi said on Radio Moldova on Wednesday.

Moldova is finalizing the development of a new Individually Tailored Partnership Program (ITPP) to take effect in 2025. "The program implies an advanced form of partnership with the North Atlantic Alliance, analogous to that maintained with countries such as Australia, South Korea, Japan, and New Zealand," Popsoi said.

The Moldovan constitution stipulates that Moldova is a neutral country, although it actively cooperates with NATO under various programs. Public opinion polls have shown that most Moldovans support the country's neutrality, with fewer than 30% of its residents being in favor of joining NATO. Moldova cooperates with NATO under an Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP). The first such plan was signed back in May 2006 and has been regularly updated since then.

The 37th NATO summit is to be held in Washington on July 9 to 11, 2024.