According to Moldovan media, Moldovan President Maia Sandu’s dog bit visiting Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on the hand, breaking protocol.
Reports indicate that the incident happened while the two leaders were walking in the courtyard of the presidential residence and Van der Bellen attempted to pet the dog, a rescue named Codrut, which means small forest.
Sandu apologized in English and explained that the dog had gotten scared due to the large number of people nearby. Following the incident, Van Der Bellen was seen with a bandaged hand at his next meeting with the speaker of Moldova’s parliament.
The discussions in Chisinau revolved around Moldova’s desire to join the European Union. The meeting was attended by Van Der Bellen and the president of Slovenia.
Sandu, who adopted the dog after it was hit by a car, shared photos on social media featuring her pet and the two presidents.
(Reporting by Alexander Tanas; Editing by Ron Popeski and Sandra Maler)
