The Cabinet of Ministers of Moldova has approved a draft to denounce the agreement between the governments of Moldova and Russia on the creation and operation of cultural centers, the Moldovan news agency MOLDPRES reported, quoted by BTA.
The document, signed in 1998, provided for the opening of cultural centers in both countries with the aim of promoting cultural and scientific exchange. However, Moldova currently does not have an operating cultural center on Russian territory.
"The Russian Cultural Center in Moldova was not cultural in the true sense of the word, but a cover for activities that undermine Moldova's sovereignty," said Moldovan Culture Minister Cristian Jardan at a meeting of the government.
He stressed that after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, against the backdrop of repeated attempts at destabilization and constant information attacks by Moscow, the agreement could be used as a tool for spreading manipulative messages and disinformation, posing a threat to the country's information security.
The Russian Cultural Center in Chisinau was established in 2009 under this agreement and is managed directly by the Russian embassy. It is funded by the Russian Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation ("Rossotrudnichestvo").
This is a structure directly subordinate to the Russian presidency, included in international sanctions lists and designated by the European Union as "the Kremlin's main state instrument for imposing so-called soft power and hybrid influence, including through the promotion of the "Russian World" initiative.
The procedure for terminating the agreement was initiated in February at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The bill is about to be submitted for consideration in parliament.