The Republic of Moldova on Thursday deployed the 22nd contingent of the National Army in the KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. It is made up of 41 soldiers, including infantrymen, EOD engineers, etc. The contingent will carry out security and guard missions at military facilities and patrol the area of responsibility, IPN reports.
At the deployment ceremony, Minister of Defense Anatolie Nosatyi said that today's event marks the Republic of Moldova’s contribution to maintaining peace and security. It also shows the level of readiness, professionalism and interoperability, which have been tested and demonstrated over the years. The National Army shows that the Republic of Moldova has defense forces capable of fulfilling their mission in the country and abroad
"It is a message that the Republic of Moldova is not only a consumer of security, but also an active contributor to the promotion of democratic values – keeping peace where the weaker part of civil society needs protection," noted the minister.
Attending the event, Italy’s Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova Lorenzo Tomassoni said that, for more than 10 years, the Republic of Moldova has contributed with determination and commitment to the success of this important peacekeeping mission. According to him, the professionalism and degree of interoperability achieved by the Moldovan military on the ground contributed to the transformation of Moldova into a Euro-Atlantic operational partner worthy of the highest respect.
"The experience gained within KFOR has also allowed Moldova to successfully participate in UN and EU missions and to present itself to the world as a country willing and able to play its role with honor," stated the Italian diplomat.
Radu Turcanu, commander of the 22nd contingent of the National Army in the KFOR mission, said that the soldiers will represent the National Army and the Republic of Moldova in Kosovo, where over 20 nation help stabilize and keep peace. According to him, the training process was rigorous.
NATO has been leading a peace-support operation in Kosovo – the Kosovo Force (KFOR) – since June 1999. The Republic of Moldova detached the first contingent of National Army peacekeepers to Kosovo on March 8, 2014. Each contingent carries out its mission for a duration of 6 months.
