Deputy Assistant Secretary in the European and Eurasian Bureau at the U.S. Department of State Pays Visit to the Ministry of Defense

CHISINAU, July 12, 2019 — Minister of Defense Pavel Voicu received the Deputy Assistant Secretary in the European and Eurasian Bureau at the U.S. Department of State, George Kent, at the defense institution’s HQ, on July 11, 2019. The meeting was also attended by U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Dereck J. Hogan, and National Army Commander, Brig. Gen. Igor Gorgan.

The officials talked about the priorities of the new leadership of the Ministry of Defense and General Staff, the defense sector’s reformation, and the Moldovan-American military cooperation.

In this regard, the Moldovan officials informed the American diplomat that the defense institution will focus on the implementation of projects aimed at modernizing the National Army, mainly the “Professional Army” Program, the defense capabilities building, and increased participation in international stabilization and peacekeeping missions.

During the meeting, Minister Voicu stated that the defense institution’s new leadership will be able to achieve the established objectives only with the support of foreign partners and expressed the hope that the USA will continue to assist Moldova in fulfilling its commitments — a complex reform of the entire defense system.

The Deputy Assistant Secretary in the European and Eurasian Bureau at the U.S. Department of State appreciated our country’s contribution to global security by participating in the Iraq post-conflict relief operation and the KFOR operation in Kosovo.

Moreover, George Kent said that the USA will continue to support the National Army’s modernization through assistance projects and programs.

The officials also talked about the regional situation and the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict by peaceful means.