In the face of the hybrid threats faced by the Republic of Moldova, including attempts of interference from Russia, Sweden considers the continuation of cooperation in the defense field essential. The Nordic country reaffirms its support for Moldova’s democracy and European path. It is vital for the integration process into the EU to advance constantly. This was stated by the Chairman of the Swedish Parliament’s Defense Commission, Peter Hultqvist, during an interview with IPN, while visiting Chisinau.
“We consider it very important to continue cooperation with Ukraine and Moldova. And we are prepared, based on the agreement we have with Moldova and the memorandum of understanding, to continue cooperation in the defense sector. We have done and will continue to do more”, said the President of the Defense Committee in the Swedish Parliament.
Sweden is actively developing “swarm drone” technology and “loitering” ammunition to enhance its defense capabilities. When asked about potential cooperation between Sweden and Moldova in the field of modern defense technologies, Peter Hultqvist mentioned that, when providing aid in the defense sector, things must be looked at as a whole and modern technology is one of the aspects included in the discussions agenda.
“We want to see Moldova as part of the European family in the future. We desire for Moldova to be a democratic state. We will defend it from Russian infiltration and hybrid activities. And we also want Moldova to have the ability to defend itself”, revealed the President of the Defense Committee within the Swedish legislature.
Peter Hultqvist mentioned that Moldova has vast experience in managing various types of hybrid threats. Additionally, Russia engages in hybrid activities in countries such as Finland, Sweden, and various European states, but the methods used vary depending on the state. “We can learn a lot by observing how they work with Moldovan society, but it is equally important to cooperate in developing defense tools against these Russian activities. And we have an authority in Sweden that is directly involved in projects here, in Moldova, around the hybrid war”, said Peter Hultqvist.
Regarding the level of readiness of national security forces in relation to the threats posed by the war in Ukraine, especially hybrid threats, the Swedish official said that Moldova is gradually developing its capabilities to face this type of challenges.
The visit of the Swedish official to Moldova is carried out at the invitation of the President of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense and Public Order, Lilian Carp.