Ministry of Defense Presents the Results of 2017 Activities

CHISINAU, December 27, 2017 — Improvement of legal framework, adjustment of defense policy documents, cooperation with European Union, NATO, OSCE, and UN, and expansion of bilateral relations were the main activity directions of the Ministry of Defense in 2017.

The information was presented today by State Secretary Aurel Fondos during a summarizing session of the defense institution attended by the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, chiefs of departments and sections of the Ministry of Defense and National Army General Staff.

According to Aurel Fondos, this year, the process of improving the legal framework and the adjustment of defense policy documents were carried out within the Defense Capacity Building Initiative (DCBI). Thus, the drafts of the Military Strategy of the Republic of Moldova (MS) and the National Defense Strategy (NDS) were developed together with NATO experts.

In order to implement the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the representatives of the Ministry of Defense have developed a National Action Plan aiming to increase the role of women in ensuring global peace and security.

During 2017, the defense institution consolidated the bilateral defense cooperation with the USA, Romania, Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and other countries through the implementation of assistance and training projects.

As regards the cooperation with international organizations and Moldova’s contribution to global security, Director of General Staff, Col. Eduard Ohladciuc, mentioned that, in 2017, the National Army deployed two contingents in KFOR operation, while other 12 service members are participating in UN and OSCE peacekeeping missions, out of whom two women.

There were organized 14 internal exercises for the professional training of military staff. Also, the National Army officers and NCOs trained within the multinational exercise “Rapid Trident” in Ukraine.

In 2018, the defense institution will orient its efforts towards implementing the reformation process, consolidation of National Army’s capabilities in supporting local and central public authorities during crisis situations, increasing measures of social protection for service members and their families.

The Ministry of Defense will also improve its political-strategic framework in the national defense sector, will consolidate the legal and institutional framework, and will develop the international defense cooperation on bilateral and multinational level.

Another important objective of the institution for the next year is to increase the National Army’s contribution to regional and international stability by participating in international missions and operations and to support the civilian authorities during crisis situations.