Moldovan-Lithuanian Meeting at the Ministry of Defense

Chisinau, May 23, 2014 — Defense Minister, Valeriu Troenco, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Lithuania, Andrius Krivas, reviewed today the bilateral relations between the two countries, with a focus on the defense and security area.

The event was attended by Violeta Motulaite, the Lithuanian Ambassador to Republic of Moldova, Kestutis Jankauskas, the resident representative of Republic Lithuania to NATO and Asta Andrijauskiene, Head of the Ukraine and Moldova Division, Eastern Partnership Policy Department, Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Minister of Defense pointed out the support provided by Lithuania in the reform of the national security system, as well as the training opportunities of the National Army officers within various training courses, conducted by Lithuania. “We appreciate the support of your country, mainly on behalf of the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense, for training 40 Moldovan civilians and servicemembers within the professional development courses, like the ones hosted by the Defense Baltic College. We count on your support in order to enhance an ongoing partnership in the future”, Valeriu Troenco said.

The Minister of Defense specified that one of the priorities of the National Army is the participation of the Moldovan servicemembers in UN and EU peacekeeping operations. “The transition from a security consumer to a security provider is one of the goals in the agenda of the institution I am the head of, which can be achieved through our active participation in the theaters of operations and, thus, contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the world” Minister Troenco said.

Andrius Krivas stated that Republic of Moldova is a reliable partner and the National Army has professional servicemembers, whose performance was highly appreciated in UN- and OSCE-led missions and, recently, in KFOR mission from Kosovo.

The official pointed out that Lithuania will continue to support the reforms started by the Ministry of Defense through personnel training, as well as through support provided in carrying out joint projects useful for the Moldovan Army.

The Moldovan-Lithuanian defense cooperation started in November 2000.