NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Delegation at Ministry of Defense

CHISINAU, October 18, 2018 — Minister of Defense Eugen Sturza met today with a delegation of NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) led by President Rasa Jukneviciene. The event was also attended by Secretary General of NATO PA, David Hobbs.

The officials talked about the defense cooperation of the Republic of Moldova with the North Atlantic Alliance and the assistance offered by the Allied countries for the development and modernization of the National Army.

Minister Sturza informed the members of the delegation about the reform started in the defense sector which includes the approval of strategic documents — National Defense Strategy and Military Strategy, actions provided for in the first phase of the Defense Capacity Building Initiative (DCBI) and implemented with NATO’s support, as well as about the Program “Professional Army”.

In this regard, the Defense Minister thanked for the assistance offered through programs and projects, among which Building Integrity Program (BIP), Individual Partnership Action Plan Republic of Moldova — NATO and PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP), UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, the projects of NATO PfP Fund on the disposal of dangerous pesticides and chemicals in the Republic of Moldova.

Eugen Sturza also referred to the training opportunities offered to National Army staff, including through the Defense Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP), as well as in NATO Schools and within multinational exercises.

Eugen Sturza expressed the hope that the Alliance will continue to support our country’s defense reforms aimed to create an army that is modern, well-trained and equipped and that is interoperable with NATO Allied Forces.

Rasa Jukneviciene mentioned the Alliance’s availability to strengthen the partnership with our country and to offer assistance for the defense institution’s reformation.

The delegation of NATO Parliamentary Assembly is paying a visit to the Republic of Moldova within October 17-19.

The NATO Parliamentary Assembly is an inter-parliamentary organization currently consisting of delegates from the 29 NATO member countries, as well as delegates from 12 associate countries. The Republic of Moldova has been an associate member of NATO PA since November, 1994.