Commander of the US Army in Europe Visits Moldova

CHISINAU, April 24, 2012 — The US Army Command in Europe seeks to continue the growing dynamics of the relationship with the National Army and establish new paths to strengthen this cooperation, US Army Commander in Europe, Lt.Gen. Mark Hertling, stated Wednesday, April 25, during his visit at the Ministry of Defense.

“The National Army can count on the US Army Command in Europe support. We have a special open attitude towards Moldova and we are committed to develop this partnership with the National Army”, Lt.Gen. Mark Hertling, said during his meeting with Defense Minister Vitalie Marinuta.

The parties discussed some aspects of bilateral military cooperation and exchanged opinions about some issues of mutual interest. The Defense Minister stated the USA proved to be one of the most devoted partners of the Ministry of Defense and the support provided to the National Army, including through the US Army Command in Europe, is highly appreciated by the state leadership.

“The ongoing assistance on behalf of our American colleagues included different technical assistance programs and military training programs supporting the Ministry’s of Defense reform”, the Defense Minister stated. “The discussions we had today with the US Army Command in Europe reveal the fact that, during crisis time, the bilateral cooperation area gets new opportunities and the ability to work in partnerships will be always topical”.

During the visit at the Ministry of Defense, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling offered the Defense Minister an American military distinction and a certificate of honor. The Meritorious Service Medal was awarded to the minister for distinguished service during 2005 — 2006, as a strategic political military planning officer within the US Central Command.

The Defense Minister was awarded the certificate of honor for his great achievements in the defense area as a Minister of Defense. Thus, Vitalie Marinuta was included in the IHOF — International Hall Of Fame, developed by the  US Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, which the Minister of Defense graduated from in 2000.

This is Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling’s first visit to the Republic of Moldova. Hertling was assigned Commander of the US Army Command in Europe in March 2011. Since 1999, the National Army military men have participated in 276 events carried out as part of the US Army Command in Europe-led programs.

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