In the late 17th century, Eastern Europe was marked by intense geopolitical maneuvering, especially regarding the Ottoman Empire's expansionist policies. Constantin Cantemir, as the Prince of Moldavia, recognized the necessity of forming alliances to safeguard his principality's autonomy against Ottoman pressures. Seeking to cement Moldavia's position in a rapidly changing political landscape, Cantemir approached the Holy Roman Empire, led by the House of Habsburg, to negotiate a secret treaty in Sibiu. This treaty represented not only a tactical alliance but also a shift in allegiances that reflected the broader power struggles of the time.

The Habsburgs were eager to strengthen their position in Southeastern Europe and viewed the treaty as a means to facilitate military actions against the Ottomans. The discussions in Sibiu involved careful negotiations, where both parties outlined their commitments and potential benefits. The treaty stipulated that Moldavia would provide support to the Habsburgs' military initiatives, enabling them to focus on weakening Ottoman control in the region. This alliance was crucial amid the ongoing war tensions between the Habsburgs and the Ottomans, which characterized the broader conflict known as the Great Turkish War.

Overall, the secret treaty was a strategic diplomatic maneuver that would shape the relationships and territorial alignments in Eastern Europe for years to come. It underscored the fragility and complexity of alliances in a region fraught with competing interests, setting the stage for future conflicts and collaborations as European powers sought to define the balance of power in the face of Ottoman expansionism.