The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) plans to increase its aid to the Moldovan army, NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow said Wednesday, May 14, according to RIA Novosti.

Vershbow visited Moldova for a multiday working visit with the country’s leadership and defense officials.

After talks with Moldovan Defense Minister Valeriu Troenco, Vershbow said NATO supports the country’s defense reforms and will consider expanding aid to its army as part of the alliance’s scientific and technical cooperation aimed at preserving peace and security and strengthening integrity.

He thanked Moldovan troops for joining the NATO-led, United Nations-mandated mission in Kosovo, saying the move demonstrates that Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, has managed to become a force ensuring security in the region.

In April, Moldovan President Nicolae Timofti said the country’s membership in NATO could significantly reinforce Moldova’s security. He said if the decision depended on him, he would vote for it. Under its constitution, Moldova has a non-aligned status.