Igor Dodon held a meeting with NATO General Secretary Deputy Rose Gotemüller

The sides discussed the current situation in the region, and exchanged views on further cooperation between Moldova and NATO.

The President recalled the statements of the NATO leadership concerning the respect with which the military-political bloc refers to the constitutional status of Moldova's permanent neutrality and proposed to consolidate these statements in the relevant document. On this issue, consultations will be held at the expert level in the near future, and an appropriate decision will be made.

"Our principal position is that the Republic of Moldova in its relations with both NATO and the CSTO should be based solely on its neutral status", - said Igor Dodon.

The President stressed that the Moldovan government actions which facilitated the opening of the NATO office in Chisinau can lead to extremely negative consequences.

"This, in particular, will significantly complicate our efforts to resolve the Transnistrian conflict. Government and parliamentary majority efforts, first of all, should be aimed at minimizing political infighting and not create additional tension in the Moldovan society.

The opening of the NATO Communication Center in Chisinau does not correspond to the spirit of the Decree of the acting Parliament of March 31, 2016 "on the approval of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova Declaration on the principle of inviolability of the sovereignty, independence and permanent neutrality of the Republic of Moldova," the Head of State said.

In conclusion, President Igor Dodon invited representatives of NATO to attend the event, which will take place in early 2018 under the auspices of the President of Moldova, entitled "Permanent neutrality of Moldova - a factor of stability and development, or a new challenge in the relations between East and West", - stated the President.