National Army Weapons and Ammunition Management to the Attention of International Organizations

CHISINAU, February 16, 2017 — The Ministry of Defense hosted today, for the first time, the High-level National Small Arms, Light Weapons and Conventional Ammunition Conference.

The event was attended by Ministry of Defense and National Army General Staff leadership, ambassadors and military attaches from Austria, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, as well as representatives of various national and international institutions, such as: OSCE Mission to the Republic of Moldova, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), European Union (EU), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), “Norwegian People’s Aid” (NPA), South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC), NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The Conference was also attended by representatives of the Supreme Security Council, Committee for National Security, Defense and Public Order, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice.

Deputy Defense Minister Gheorghe Galbura mentioned the importance of such a Conference for the defense institution and expressed his conviction that it will be fruitful and useful for the enhancement of the National Army weapons and ammunition management.

Gheorghe Galbura also appreciated the support offered by our partners in implementing some important projects in this sector and mentioned their role and necessity in maintaining the safety and security of our people.

Representative of OSCE Mission to the Republic of Moldova, Stephen Young, stated that the National Army has always been a trusted partner of the organization, especially by conducting programs and projects contributing to the defense institution’s modernization and to reduce the risk of explosion at National Army ammunition depots. The official added that the OSCE Mission, as well as the other international organizations attending the event, will continue to support the National Army through expertise, knowledge, and capability, and that this Conference is a good opportunity to set new priorities for this sector.

The Conference agenda included subjects regarding the sector’s achievements and current issues, as well as the planning of future activities in the weapons and ammunition stockpile management.