Biting the hand of friendship took on a literal that means throughout an official go to by Austria’s president to Moldova when the nation’s “first canine” nipped him.
However 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 stated: “It was a small wound that was handled with a bandage,” including that the Austrian president “is doing effectively”.
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 “precipitated a little bit of a stir”.
“Everybody who is aware of me is aware of that I am an enormous canine lover and may perceive his pleasure,” Mr van der Bellen stated.
“He was nervous due to all of the folks round 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’s not the primary time a presidential pet has confronted the doghouse.
Final month it was introduced Joe Biden’s German shepherd, Commander, had been removed from the White House after biting brokers and employees.
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The 2-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’s the second of the Bidens’ canines on the White Home that has behaved aggressively.
Commander was a present to the US president from his brother James. Pic: AP
One other German shepherd named Main was despatched to reside with pals in Delaware after additionally biting employees and Secret Service officers.
The service supplies safety safety for the president and his household, and scores of its officers are posted across the government mansion and its grounds.