Moldovan-American Dialogue at the Ministry of Defense

CHISINAU, August 7, 2015 — Minister of Defense, Anatol Salaru, met today with US Ambassador to Republic of Moldova, James D. Pettit. Chief of Main Staff, Brigadier Gen. Igor Gorgan, and the US military attaché, LTC Joseph Bilbo, also attended the event.

The dialogue was centered on military cooperation between the two countries and perspectives to enhance it, regional situation, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

Anatol Salaru stated that the USA are a strategic partner for our country, and the military sector received great support on behalf of the American Government. According to the Minister of Defense, the American support, issued through assistance programs in education and training, logistics, and renovation of military facilities, contributed to National Army modernization and supply.

Anatol Salaru expressed his hope that the strategic partnership between the USA and Republic of Moldova would enhance and that new joint projects will be started.

James D. Pettit congratulated Anatol Salaru on his appointment as Minister of Defense and wished him success in his mandate. Ambassador Pettit stated that the USA will keep helping Republic of Moldova to reform the security and defense sector.

Also, the American official highlighted the good cooperation between the armies of the two countries, pledging for the development of the bilateral military cooperation.

The Moldovan-American defense cooperation is based on the Memorandum “Regarding the cooperation in the military area” signed by the Ministry of Defense of Republic of Moldova and the US Department of Defense, on December 4, 1995.