The partnership is part of a broader deal between the two countries that includes a readmissions agreement allowing London to return Moldovans who do not have the right to live in the U.K.
The defense partnership comes just weeks after Maia Sandu, the pro-Western president of Moldova, won a second term in office despite widespread allegations of Russian interference in the election.
David Lammy, the British foreign secretary, announced the deals during a visit to Moldova’s capital, Chișinău, on Wednesday.
He said: “Moldova is a vital security partner for the U.K., which is why to reinforce their resilience against Russian aggression and to keep British streets safe, I am deepening cooperation on irregular migration and launching a new Defense and Security Partnership.”
The defense agreement aims to bolster Moldova’s security against growing Russian hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, which have tripled since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, according to the British government.
Lammy added: “Despite unprecedented Kremlin interference, the people of Moldova have chosen freedom, democracy and independence. A decision we must help them protect.”
The readmissions deal aims to streamline the return of Moldovans who do not have the right to remain in the U.K.
Since the Labour government took office, similar agreements have already resulted in the removal of over 9,400 people, according to the British Foreign Office.
During his visit, Lammy also announced a £2 million (€2.4 million) investment to strengthen Moldova’s cybersecurity capabilities and a further €6 million in humanitarian aid for Ukrainian refugees in the country. Moldova currently hosts over 50,000 Ukrainian children displaced by the war.
