JAKARTA - Moldovan President Maia Sandu apologized after her beloved dog bit the hand of Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on Thursday, according to Moldovan media.

President Sandu accepts President Van der Bellen and Slovenian President Natasa Musar in Chisinau, to provide support for Moldova to join the European Union.

"It's great to welcome Austrian and Slovenian President Van der Bellen and Musar to Chisinau today," Sandu wrote on X, as quoted November 17.

"Our discussions highlight strong support for the Moldovan route to the EU, marking an important moment on our way to European access," he continued.

As part of the agenda, the country's leaders conducted a photo session. At the time, President Sandu introduced his dog, Codrut, citing The Press United.

In an image published by Moldovan media, President Sandu and President Musar are stroking the dog, while President Van der Bellen is watching it.

The President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, will leave Chisinau with a bandaged hand. He was bitten by the presidential dog Codru.#maiasdu #alexandervarendbellen #Moldova #Austria pic.twitter.com/8g8OKA9ZK4

Moments later, the Austrian leader bowed to stroke Codrut's head and the dog responded by biting him.

Citing Reuters, President Sandu apologized in English and explained that the dog was scared because many people around him.

President Van der Bellen did not officially comment on the incident. Meanwhile, photographers in Chisinau saw his hands bandaged when he entered the presidential palace and signed documents with President Sandu.

However, photographers in Chisinau saw him with his hands bandaged when he entered the presidential palace and then when he signed the document with Sandu.

It is known that President Sandu's decision to adopt Codrut earlier this year caused a crowd on social media. He took care of the dog after being hit by a car.

On social media, President Sandu also uploaded a photo of himself together with President Van der Bellen, President of Musar and Codrut.


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