International Day of UN Peacekeepers, marked at the Ministry of Defense

CHISINAU, May 30, 2022 — The Ministry of Defense organized a round table today in the context of the International Day of UN peacekeeping troops, marked annually on May 29.

Present at the event, the UN Interim Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Moldova, Dima Al-Khatib, said that "Today`s event offers us the opportunity to recognize the efforts of those who daily make sacrifices for a common goal, being at the forefront of global solidarity. We have the opportunity to reflect on the past and to redouble our efforts and commitments to build a better world — human rights, sustainable development, and of course peacekeeping."

For his part, Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatii thanked representatives of the United Nations for their confidence and for giving the National Army military the opportunity to demonstrate as peacemakers with the armies of other nations.

"We want to expand our presence in UN peacekeeping missions and provide a helping hand where it is most needed to restore peace and gain experience in managing conflicts and challenges of all kinds," said Anatolie Nosatii. At the same time, Minister Nosatii addressed the soldiers of the National Army, appreciating their performance at the international level. "I want to thank you for being and are the ambassadors of the Republic of Moldova abroad and talking to the world about our state`s aspirations to become a provider of global security, but also for the exemplary way you manifest in missions, proving to our partners that the Army National is a trustworthy force", mentioned the Minister of Defense.

The agenda included topics related to the National Army`s contribution to international peacekeeping missions, the relevant legislative framework, cooperation with the United Nations in this context, but also the performance of the Moldovan military in maintaining world peace and stability.

At the end of the activity, a group of service members, participating in UN peacekeeping operations received distinctions from the National Army.

The National Army has been involved in UN-mandated peacekeeping operations since 2003. Since then, 153 officers - women and men - have served as military observers in missions in Georgia, Sudan, South Sudan, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Kosovo, the Central African Republic, and the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) in New York, USA.

The National Army currently has 11 troops on UN peacekeeping missions in Kosovo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan.