Cooperation between the OSCE and the Ministry of Defense, discussed by Thomas Greminger and Pavel Voicu

CHISINAU, September 18, 2019 - Minister of Defense Pavel Voicu had a meeting today with OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger. Officials discussed cooperation between the OSCE and the Ministry of Defense, focusing on assistance projects implemented in our country, the settlement of the Transnistrian issue, the withdrawal and destruction of ammunition from the Colbasna depot.

On this occasion, Minister Voicu appreciated the contribution of the OSCE to the effort of the Republic of Moldova to fulfill its international commitments and responsibilities in the field of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and conventional ammunition.

The Minister of Defense also thanked for the assistance provided by the organization in the implementation of several projects aimed at reducing the risk of explosion, increasing the safety and general security of Moldovan citizens living in the vicinity of ammunition depots.

Pavel Voicu expressed his hope that the OSCE will continue to assist our country in the process of reforming the defense sector, a reform that aims to transform and professionalism the National Army.

For his part, the OSCE Secretary-General praised the relaunch of the dialogue between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova and the Russian Federation on the withdrawal and destruction of ammunition from the Colbasna depot, noting that the OSCE institution it represents is ready to help facilitate this trial.

The official also referred to the excellent performance of the National Army soldiers in peacekeeping missions, including those with an OSCE mandate, which demonstrates their high qualification, but also the fact that the Republic of Moldova has passed into the category of countries security providers.