Moldovan-Austrian military cooperation, reviewed at the Ministry of Defense

CHISINAU, November 16, 2021 – Minister of Defense Anatolie Nosatii had a meeting today with the Austrian ambassador to Chisinau, Stella Avallone.

The agenda also included issues related to the aspects of bilateral cooperation within the Complex Program in the field of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the Republic of Moldova, implemented with the support of the OSCE, in which Austria participates as a leading country the activity of the Multinational Group of SALW experts in the National Army.

Thus, the parties referred to the assistance provided by the Austrian partners in the field of logistics and training in the field of management of arms and ammunition stocks for the Moldovan military, but also in the training of national experts.

Minister Nosatii thanked the Austrian government for its contribution to the development of the Ammunition Synthesis, Analysis and Testing Laboratory within the National Army Armament and Ammunition Center, support for the development of regulations, instructions, Special Operating Procedures in the field of ammunition testing and special laboratory equipment. At the same time, the official expressed his gratitude for the donations of specialized equipment in the field of visual inspection of ammunition from the National Army and the sharing of best practices in the field of weapons stock management.

In her turn, Ambassador Stella Avallone appreciated the progress made by our country in the context of the implementation of the SALW program and reiterated Austria`s readiness to continue cooperation in the field of security and defense. At the same time, the diplomat added that her country has extensive experience in international peacekeeping operations, including in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and could provide expertise and pass on lessons learned to the National Army in this area.

Other subjects addressed during the meeting focused on the current targets of the government in the field of defense and security, with emphasis on transforming the National Army into a modern institution, increasing military participation in international peacekeeping missions and strengthening cooperation with external partners platforms of international organizations.