Minister of Defense Eugen Sturza said the National Army of the Republic of Moldova is no longer a marginalized institution, as it was until recently. According to him, the National Army was brought back into the focus of the people and the authorities. The issue was developed in the talk show “Fabrika” on Publika TV channel, IPN reports.
“Several years ago, I don’t think someone spoke about the National Army. They didn’t talk about it despite its problems, failures and results, as if it didn’t exist. It is hard to demand that the National Army should deliver results and performance when this had been ignored for over 20 years,” stated the minister.
As to NATO, Eugen Sturza said this organization offers the support that Moldova can ask and accept. “NATO has never come to the Republic of Moldova to impose something. We went and asked for assistance,” noted the minister, referring to the disposal of pesticides with the help of NATO, outfitting of several hospitals with medical equipment and cybersecurity.
The minister stated in 2019 investments in the National Army will continue to be made and Moldovan contingents will continue to take part in international military exercises. “Multiple exercises were planned for 2019. We also aim to extend the number of trainings in which our service members will be involved – at military colleges and universities all over the world,” he said, adding they intend to develop international cooperation with the partners through participation in peacekeeping missions.
