Defense Ministry Marks 22nd Anniversary

Chisinau, February 5, 2014— The Ministry of Defense marked today its 22^nd anniversary within a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defense. The event brought together the military and civil staff of the defense institution.

Defense Minister, Vitalie Marinuta, stated that the state defense institution marks its anniversary with accomplished missions and objectives related to the Defense Ministry’s modernization, reform and adjustment to European standards.

Vitalie Marinuta appreciated the Moldovan servicemembers’ contribution to the establishment of the military institution in 1991, as well as the efforts of servicemembers that have served the Ministry of Defense throughout these years.

A group of military and civilian staff was awarded diplomas of honor within the 22^nd anniversary ceremony for great achievements, commitment to service duties and high professionalism.

The Ministry of Defense was founded on February 5, 1992, by Republic of Moldova Presidential decree. The first Defense Minister was Maj. Gen. Ion Costas.

The institution has the mission to develop defense policy, conduct the building and development of the National Army, discover military risks and threats, as well as the needs of the national defense system to protect the security of state.