Moldova's Minister of Defence praises National Army for service
Moldova's Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi has praised the National Army for its role in ensuring peace and stability in the country.
In a statement marking the 32nd anniversary of the army's founding, Nosatîi said that the Moldovan state is a "firm contributor to international security."
The minister also thanked the soldiers, civilian employees, veterans, and reservists for their service. He expressed hope that they will continue to work to modernise the army and provide security for all citizens of Moldova.
Nosatîi also paid tribute to those who helped establish the National Army and who fought to defend the country's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. He sent a special message to soldiers who are currently serving in military units and those who are deployed on international peacekeeping missions. He also thanked the families of soldiers for their support.
To mark the National Army Day, the Ministry of Defense has organised a series of events in the capital, Bălți, and Cahul. These include photo exhibitions, equipment and technology demonstrations, military exercises, children's contests, a musical recital, and a torchlight parade.
The National Army Day celebration is marked annually on September 3, following the declaration of Moldova's independence in 1991.
In 1994, Moldova and NATO signed the Partnership for Peace. In 2013, Moldova agreed to deploy a group of soldiers to Kosovo for peacekeeping purposes. On March 8, 2014, a contingent of 41 Moldovan soldiers arrived in Kosovo on a U.S. military aircraft. The contingent included a platoon of 33 light infantry soldiers, who were responsible for security and guarding of military objects and patrolling, and a sapper team, which was responsible for mine clearance and reconstruction.
Moldovan soldiers have also served as military observers in UN missions in Georgia, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan, South Sudan, Kosovo, the Central African Republic, and the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations in the United States.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
