NATO Official at Ministry of Defense

CHISINAU, October 10, 2018 — Minister of Defense Eugen Sturza and National Army Commander, Brigadier Gen. Igor Cutie, met with NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, James Appathurai.

The officials talked about the regional situation, the defense sector’s reformation, and the cooperation of the Republic of Moldova with the North Atlantic Alliance.

Eugen Sturza informed James Appathurai about the actions of the Ministry of Defense and General Staff aimed to modernize the National Army, especially the endowment of military units, renovation of infrastructure, improvement of the social package, and enlistment of professional soldiers.

The Minister of Defense also appreciated the Alliance’s support in implementing in our country some projects, programs, and initiatives with the goal of transforming the defense and security sector and adjusting it to international standards. In this regard, Minister Sturza referred to the Defence Capacity Building Initiative (DCBI), Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC), as well as the defense and security sector’s Building Integrity Programme (BI).

Eugen Sturza mentioned NATO’s contribution to the training of Moldovan service members both in specialized schools and within multinational exercises.

James Appathurai reiterated the Alliance’s availability to consolidate the partnership with out country and to offer assistance for the defense institution’s reformation.