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 dog” 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 right down to stroke the animal it snapped at him, briefly biting his hand.
Ms Sandu apologised in English and defined the canine had develop into frightened by giant 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 treated with a bandage,” including that the Austrian president “is doing well”.
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 “caused a bit of a stir”.
“Everyone who knows me knows that I’m a big dog lover and can understand his excitement,” Mr van der Bellen mentioned.
“He was nervous because of all the people around him.”
Ms Sandu took within the canine after it was hit by a automotive.
The Austrian president introduced his host with a small toy for her pet. Pic: Alexander van der Bellen/Instagram
It shouldn’t be the primary time a presidential pet has confronted the doghouse.
Last month it was introduced Joe Biden’s German shepherd, Commander, had been faraway from the White House after biting brokers and employees.
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The two-year-old had attacked members of the US Secret Service 10 occasions between October 2022 and January 2023.
One feminine officer lately required medical therapy.
Commander was a present to the US president in December 2021 from his brother James.
He is the second of the Bidens’ canines on the White House that has behaved aggressively.
Commander was a present to the US president from his brother James. Pic: AP
Another German shepherd named Major was despatched to dwell with associates in Delaware after additionally biting employees and Secret Service officers.
The service offers safety safety for the president and his household, and scores of its officers are posted across the government mansion and its grounds.
Source: information.sky.com”
