Moldova's aspiration to join EU a 'challenge' for Putin's Russia: Macron

ANKARA

Moldova's aspiration to join the European Union is a "challenge" for Vladimir Putin-led Russia, the French president said Thursday.

"France and the EU are standing with you to help Moldova achieve this European destiny," Emmanuel Macron told a joint news conference with his Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu in Paris.

"Moldova's democratic reality, and its aspiration for a European future, such as Ukraine's, represent a challenge for Vladimir Putin's Russia, (with Moldova) developing at its gates another model ... rather than indoctrinating minds, assassinating political opponents, historical revisionism, surveillance of society, and imperialist war on neighbors," Macron said.

He reiterated France's support for Moldova on its path to the EU and hailed the reforms implemented.

Macron vowed that the cooperation will continue in areas such as the fight against cyberattacks and disinformation.

Maia Sandu, for her part, thanked France for its support, particularly "in defense since the invasion of Ukraine."

"Ukraine has not given up. Neither should Europe," Sandu said.

A security pact was also signed between France and Moldova, following the news conference.