Romania will offer the Republic of Moldova support for participation in peacekeeping operations and missions. A bill to ratify an amendment to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Romania on cooperation in the military field was given a first reading and was passed by the votes of 58 MPs, IPN reports.

Minister of Defense Anatolie Nosatyi said that Romania and the Republic of Moldova will support each other in the preparation of and participation in peacekeeping missions and operations within multinational coalitions under the aegis of the UN, OSCE, NATO or EU. The assistance will include logistical support, transport, telephone and Internet services, financial, medical support and evacuation in emergency situations.

According to the authorities, one of the priorities of the National Army is to increase the level of effective participation of the Republic of Moldova in international peacekeeping missions and operations in order to strengthen security and stability.

At the beginning of the sitting, the group of the Bloc of Communists and Socialists asked to withdraw this bill from the agenda, but their proposal was not supported by the parliamentary majority. MP Adrian Albu said that this protocol contains a norm that will allow the Moldovan military to become involved in international military operations under the aegis of the Romanian Army. “We are not against military exercises, which should better not take place on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. Our servicemen need to develop their skills, but military operations are a serious thing. Let’s not forget that both our children and our grandchildren can be part of this process,” stated Adrian Albu.

The ratification of the amendment to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Romania will be proposed for examination and final reading in the plenary session of Parliament.