International Experts Evaluate Defense and Security Area

CHISINAU, March 26, 2013 — NATO assistance for the Republic of Moldova is a pillar to contribute to the National Army modernization, through the reform of the defense and security are, in term of political changes our country currently undergoes, Brigadier Gen. Vitalie Stoian, Chief of National Army Main Staff, Commander of the National Army, said during the opening ceremony of bilateral consultations with the experts of the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP) held March 26-28, at the Ministry of Defense.

Brigadier Gen. Vitalie Stoian pointed out the importance of development of our country’s necessary capabilities to work in a continuously changing environment. “The National Army, alog with the international experts, will make great efforts to achieve all PARP goals”, the Commander of the National Army said.

Şefik Atak, NATO’s International Staff liaison officer in Republic of Moldova, said the evaluation of PARP goals by the NATO experts consists of the analysis of achievements in term of Strategic Defense Review, national security cooperation, as well as Republic of Moldova — NATO partnership.

Şefik Atak has highly appreciated our country’s cooperation efforts with NATO as part of PARP and the achievements in the modernization of defense and security area. “We appreciate the National Army progress in clarifying the issues affecting PARP, as well as the defense reform”, the expert said.

The PARP work sessions brought together experts of the Ministry of Defense and Main Staff, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as Security Intelligence Service.

Republic of Moldova joined PARP in 1997, assuming goals related to National Army activity. In 2003, representatives of government institutions working in the national security and defense area joined PARP sessions.

PARP evaluation is carried out every year in cooperation with PARP experts and by each partner country.