Rubio and Moldovan Leadership Reaffirm Strategic Partnership at Munich Security Conference
MUNICH — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with high-ranking Moldovan officials on Friday at the Munich Security Conference, marking a significant reaffirmation of the strategic partnership between Washington and Chișinău. The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the prominent defense forum, highlighted the United States’ continued commitment to Moldova’s stability and sovereignty amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.
Following the high-level talks, Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi issued a statement underscoring the productive nature of the engagement. “In Munich I met U.S. Secretary of State @SecRubio. We reaffirmed a results-oriented partnership: the U.S. supports Moldova’s stability and sovereignty, and Moldova remains a reliable partner for regional security, built on long-standing mutual trust,” the statement read.
The discussion comes at a critical time for the region, as the Munich Security Conference convenes under the theme of navigating a “new geopolitical era.” Secretary Rubio, leading the largest-ever U.S. delegation to the conference, has emphasized the need for alliances to adapt to modern challenges. For Moldova, a nation bordering war-torn Ukraine, U.S. support remains a cornerstone of its national security and reform agenda.
During the exchange, the two sides reportedly discussed the trajectory of bilateral relations, with a focus on energy security, democratic resilience, and economic cooperation. The “results-oriented” approach mentioned in the statement signals a move toward concrete, actionable initiatives rather than purely diplomatic rhetoric. This aligns with recent U.S. efforts to bolster Moldova’s energy independence and support its path toward European integration.
Moldova’s role as a “reliable partner for regional security” was a central theme of the dialogue. Chișinău has been instrumental in managing refugee flows and maintaining stability on NATO’s eastern flank. The reaffirmation of mutual trust suggests that despite the volatile security environment, Washington views Moldova as a key player in its regional strategy.
The meeting in Munich also provided an opportunity for the U.S. delegation to reassure European partners of its enduring engagement on the continent. By prioritizing a meeting with Moldovan leadership, Secretary Rubio signaled that the security of non-NATO partners in Eastern Europe remains a priority for the U.S. State Department.
Analysts note that this public display of solidarity is likely intended to send a deterrent message to external actors seeking to destabilize the region. As the conference continues through the weekend, further details regarding specific cooperative programs discussed during the meeting are expected to emerge, reinforcing the “long-standing mutual trust” that underpins the U.S.-Moldova relationship.
* rferl.org
