Moldova Celebrates 75 Years of Partnership with NATO
An exhibition featuring 40 captivating archival photographs that chronicle Moldova's years of cooperation and partnership with NATO was inaugurated at the capital's Military Museum to mark the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Alliance.
Both Moldovan officials and Alliance representatives alike expressed their appreciation for the mutual commitment and projects implemented in the country.
During the inauguration ceremony, Michaela Guerard Simak, Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Moldova, emphasized that NATO would continue to support Moldova on its path of modernization and reform.
"Moldova is one of NATO's oldest, closest, and most valued partners," Simak said. "For over 30 years, our cooperation has developed in an upward direction. The authorities in Chisinau have been able to set priorities based on the needs of their citizens."
"The 75th anniversary is not just an opportunity to take stock of achievements, but also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that have guided us for three-quarters of a century, united and with partners at our side, including Moldova," explained Piers Cazalet, Head of the Defense and Security Cooperation Directorate. "We assure you that NATO remains the cornerstone of international security for future generations."
Likewise, Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi applauded the cooperation with NATO through the implemented projects. He underlined the fact that ensuring peace and security in the country is a priority for the authorities.
"Our cooperation has evolved, and we are currently at the stage of implementing at least 20 different projects," Nosatîi noted. "These projects will help the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the security services to increase their resilience, become better equipped, and be more prepared to tackle new challenges."
Underscoring the importance of raising the profile of the North Atlantic Alliance in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Polish Ambassador to Moldova, Tomasz Kobzdej, stated: "As long as this war continues, the Allies are committed to providing significant support to Kyiv. From a military standpoint, and for objective reasons, NATO will focus on the eastern flank."
The exhibition will be open to the public until May 26, 2024. It is worth recalling that Moldova established cooperation relations with NATO in 1992 when it joined the North Atlantic Cooperation Council. Since 2015, Moldova has been part of the Defense Capacity Building Package, which is one of NATO's programs that provides support to countries that request assistance to improve their defense and security capabilities.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
