U.S Government Donates Military Vehicles to National Army

Chisinau, November 12, 2014 — The U.S Government donated today military vehicles to the National Army within a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defense HQ.

President of Republic of Moldova, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Nicolae Timofti stated: “Today’s event demonstrates the good cooperation between Republic of Moldova and the USA, supporting international security and peace, stability and democratic development of the state. I am convinced this support will enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces, that will help carrying out security tasks of the country, as well as participate in international peacekeeping missions in the future more effectively”.

US Ambassador to Republic of Moldova, William H. Moser, said that peacekeeping missions create one of the best platforms through which a country can become a security contributor and not just a security consumer."Moldova has a rich experience of participation in peacekeeping missions, including a long history of providing UN observers in Africa, more contingents deployed to post-conflict operation in Iraq, and today you have the second contingent of 41 soldiers deployed to Kosovo. These vehicles will increase the capability of Moldovan peacekeeping contingents", Ambassador Moser said

Defense Minister Valeriu Troenco thanked the American officials for the provided support, underlining its importance for the development of the National Army capabilities. " Today’s donation proves the fact the USA are a valuable partner for us, that support to the development of Republic of Moldova and National Army through various assistance projects", Valeriu Troenco stated.

According to Head of Logistics Directorate, Col. Alexandru Zveaghin, the donation is part of a US assistance program and comprises 43 HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) vehicles and 10 trailers.

The quoted source specified that 39 military vehicles were donated today. Four more vehicles will reach the National Army by the end of the year.

Col. Zveaghin added that the donated vehicles will go to the 22^nd Peacekeeping Battalion.

This month, a group of drivers and mechanics of the unit attended a training course on how to exploit and maintain HMMWV vehicles.

The Moldovan-American defense cooperation is based on the Military cooperation Memorandum, signed by the Ministry of Defense of Republic of Moldova and the US Department of Defense, on December 4, 1995.