The nation’s chief apologises to her visitor for the canine breach of worldwide protocol and says her rescue pet, Codrut, had grow to be frightened by massive numbers of individuals close by.
Biting the hand of friendship took on a literal which means throughout an official go to by Austria’s president to Moldova when the nation’s “first canine” nipped him.
But the canine breach of worldwide protocol didn’t bitter relations and Alexander van der Bellen confirmed all was forgiven by later presenting Moldovan President Maia Sandu with a small toy for her rescue pet on the final day of his journey.
Footage from native media confirmed Mr van der Bellen standing with Ms Sandu and Codrut, throughout his go to to the capital, Chisinau, on Friday.
When the Austrian president leaned all the way down to stroke the animal it snapped at him, briefly biting his hand.
Ms Sandu apologised in English and defined the canine had grow to be frightened by massive numbers of individuals close by.
Mr van Der Bellen appeared together with his hand bandaged at his subsequent assembly, with the speaker of Moldova’s parliament.
His workplace mentioned: “It was a small wound that was handled with a bandage,” including that the Austrian president “is doing properly”.
Mr van der Bellen was assembly with Ms Sandu and Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar to debate Moldova’s bid to affix the European Union.
The Austrian president later posted concerning the incident on his Instagram web page, acknowledging it “brought on a little bit of a stir”.
“Everyone who is aware of me is aware of that I’m an enormous canine lover and may perceive his pleasure,” Mr van der Bellen mentioned.
“He was nervous due to all of the folks round him.”
Ms Sandu took within the canine after it was hit by a automotive.
It will not be the primary time a presidential pet has confronted the doghouse.
Last month it was introduced Joe Biden’s German shepherd, Commander, had been removed from the White House after biting brokers and workers.
Read extra on Sky News:
First grey seal pups of the winter born in England’s largest colony – and how to see them
It’s been 90 years since the first Loch Ness monster photo. Are we any closer to the truth?
The two-year-old had attacked members of the US Secret Service 10 times between October 2022 and January 2023.
One feminine officer recently required medical treatment.
Commander was a present to the US president in December 2021 from his brother James.
He is the second of the Bidens’ dogs on the White House that has behaved aggressively.
Another German shepherd named Major was despatched to stay with pals in Delaware after additionally biting workers and Secret Service officers.
The service gives safety safety for the president and his household, and scores of its officers are posted across the government mansion and its grounds.
