The new Minister of Defense Anatol Salaru was presented to officers and employees of the Ministry of Defense by President Nicolae Timofti on July 31, IPN reports.

In a solemn event, the head of state underlined the necessity of increasing the operational capacity of the army and of modernizing it, taking into account the new security context in the region. Nicolae Timofti underlined the necessity of increasing the defense capacity of the army, in cooperation with the other security bodes of the state and the NATO member states.

The head of state voiced confidence that the new administration of the Ministry of Defense will continue the initiated reforms and will defend with dignity and honor the interests and projects of the Republic of Moldova.

Nicolae Timofti thanked former minister Viorel Cibotaru for the effort made to bring the national army up to the international standards and to modernize the armed forces.

At the end of the ceremony, the head of state handed over the flag of the Ministry of Defense to Anatol Salaru and a copy of it to former minister Viorel Cibotaru.