KFOR-17 ready to start the mission

CHISINAU, July 8, 2022 - The National Army deployed the 17th contingent of peacekeepers to the KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, in an official ceremony held at Military Comp 142.

Present at the event, the Minister of Defense Anatolie Nosatii said that the 40 troops seconded by the Republic of Moldova in the Kosovo peacekeeping operation are prepared according to international requirements and will be interoperable with the armies of partner states, ensuring peace and security in the Balkans.

"The 16 contingents that the Republic of Moldova has deployed so far in KFOR have shown that the National Army is a reliable partner and has well-trained soldiers. We expect the same performances from the contingent of peacekeepers who will start their mandate in the Kosovo mission in a few days", mentioned the Minister of Defense.

In the same context, Minister Nosatii thanked the partners in Italy and the United States for the logistical assistance and training provided to the soldiers of the National Army for the fulfillment of the mandate in Kosovo. During the ceremony, the US Ambassador to our country, E.S. Kent D. Logsdon noted that the 17th contingent, seconded to KFOR, is further evidence that Moldova`s National Army is a capable force that other nations can count on, contributing to international peace. "By participating in this peacekeeping operation, the National Army will gain valuable experience that will enhance existing capabilities and readiness for the most important mission - to protect the Republic of Moldova," said Ambassador Longsdon.

In turn, E.S. Lorenzo Tomassoni, Italy`s ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, sent the following message to the military: "Your work is precious. I am sure that through your professionalism you will obtain excellent results in keeping with the tradition installed by your colleagues who preceded you. Be proud of who you are and what you will do for your country and the whole world. "

It should be mentioned that the KFOR-17 contingent of the National Army consists of 40 soldiers, infantry, and weapons specialists, who will perform security missions and guard the military objectives and patrol the area of responsibility.

 The Moldovan military will be part of the Regional Command-West and will be deployed to the Camp Villaggio Italia military base in Pech, Kosovo. Their term of office is six months. The KFOR peacekeeping mission is led by the North Atlantic Alliance, in accordance with UN Resolution 1244.