Training Area from Bulboaca, renovated in the framework of the GPOI

CHISINAU, November 1, 2019 - At the National Army Training Center, the objectives built and renovated within the Program "Global Peace Operations Initiative" (GPOI), funded by the US Government, were put into operation.

The event was attended by the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff, representatives of the US Embassy in Chisinau, the European Command of the US Armed Forces (EUCOM) and military attachés accredited to the Republic of Moldova.

Officials visited the new buildings and those repaired with the support of American partners, including the barracks, canteen, bathrooms, medical office, conference room, classrooms, simulation rooms, multifunctional target range, firing range, and depots.

Minister of Defense Pavel Voicu, thanked the US Government for its assistance in rebuilding the infrastructure of the Bulboaca range, where soldiers from the National Army and other countries have the opportunity to train together for foreign missions. "One of the largest projects to be completed today is the Global Initiative for Peacekeeping Operations, known as the GPOI. We really wanted this because the program included the modernization of the National Army Training Center, which meant improving the training conditions of the military participating in international peacekeeping operations with an international mandate.

As you know, we have been present in such operations since 1997 and for us, for the leadership of the army, it is important to offer these officers and non-commissioned officers adequate training conditions ", said Pavel Voicu.

In his turn, the US Ambassador to our country, Dereck J. Hogan, mentioned that the United States appreciates the long-term commitment of the Republic of Moldova to regional stability and security. "We are proud to know that these new barracks and study rooms will increase your contribution to international peacekeeping operations. Moreover, we hope that this initiative will continue to develop the National Army`s ability to work with the United States and other partners.

I am pleased to continue our support for increasing the capacity of the Republic of Moldova to provide highly qualified peacemakers where they are needed, "said Dereck Hogan.

Present at the event, Brigadier Gen. Jessica Meyeraan, appreciated the National Army`s contribution to the Kosovo peacekeeping mission and other operations and expressed interest in continuing cooperation through joint projects in the field of defense and security.

During the event, the Minister of Defense had a meeting with General Jessica Meyeraan, during which the parties discussed the regional situation, the current state of cooperation between the US and the Republic of Moldova in the defense segment, the main joint projects implemented in the field, and prospects for strengthening the partnership.

The GPOI was established in 2004 and represents the USA`s contribution to the G8 Action Plan for Expanding Global Capability for Peace Support Operations. Since 1997 and so far, service members from over 53 countries have been trained in the framework of GPOI and previous similar initiatives.

The Republic of Moldova joined GPOI in 2012 with the objective to improve the training conditions for National Army service members deployed to international peacekeeping missions. The Program includes the modernization of the National Army Military Training Center, and cost about 4 million US dollars.