The European Union has signed a security and defence pact with Moldova to help the pro-Western country increase its ability to deal with threats from Russia.
"Moldova today became the first country to sign a security and defence partnership with the European Union," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said at a meeting with Moldova's prime minister.
"Others will follow to create a network of friends that builds strong security and defence, which will include closer cooperation in areas ranging from cyber security to countering hybrid threats."
EU countries are currently discussing opening membership talks with Moldova next month, a move that would put it at the start of a years-long reform process ahead of accession.
Moldovan authorities have repeatedly accused the Kremlin of seeking to destabilise the country in an attempt to steer it away from its pro-Western course.
The EU did not disclose details of the new partnership, but an official said it was aimed at improving "Moldova's ability to defend its sovereignty and independence".
The EU said similar agreements were being worked on with other "selected partners".
The EU pact comes after France signed its own bilateral defence agreement with Moldova earlier this week.
The drive to bolster Moldova's security is a consequence of the recent rising tensions between Chisinau and pro-Russian separatists.
In February, pro-Russian officials in Moldova's breakaway Transnistria region appealed to Russia for "protection".
Russia has 1,500 soldiers based in the pro-Moscow separatist region of Transdniestria, a thin strip of land between Moldova and Ukraine that broke away in 1992 after a brief conflict. /BGNES
