Minister of Defence of the Republic of Moldova visits MoD

Minister of Defence of the Republic of Moldova Valeriu Troenco pays a two day official visit to Georgia. An official welcoming ceremony was held in the Ministry of Defence of Georgia. The Mod military brass band performed Moldavian and Georgian state anthems. After a welcoming ceremony, the ministers held a meeting. Chief of the GS of GAF Major General Vakhtang Kapanadze, Deputy Defence Minister Irakli Gegechkori, Moldavian delegation members and other officials attended the meeting.

Mr. Irakli Alasania thanked Moldavian Defence Minister for a firm political support expressed towards the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. The sides discussed the issues of bilateral defence cooperation. Special attention was focused on the prospects of partnership in the field of military education. Georgian Minister of Defence offered his counterpart to train Moldavian military servicemen in Sachkhere Mountain Training School. Holding the joint command and staff trainings was also discussed at the meeting.

Minister Irakli Alasania informed Mr. Valeriu Troenco about the defence transformation. Moldavian Defence Minister expressed desire to share Georgia`s successful reform experience.

During the meeting regional security environment and current challenges were discussed. The sides outlined significance of participation in international missions as well.

After the meeting, Georgia and Moldova`s defence ministers signed Memorandum of Cooperation in the defence sector.

“Georgia is beginning a new stage of military cooperation with the Republic of Moldova. Georgian and Moldavian defence ministers concluded a Memorandum of Understanding today. Our countries count 20 years of similar history; we have a common adversary opposing our countries` sovereignty and territorial integrity. Georgia recognizes Moldova`s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, likewise Moldova. Deepening and intensification of bilateral military cooperation will further promote the state-level relationship between the two countries. I want to welcome our friend and wish him success because Moldova`s success is our success too”, said Irakli Alasania.

“It is a very memorable day for me as I’ve found a real friend. I feel at home in Georgia, in the country I have heard so many things about. I am happy that we have laid a good foundation for strengthening our bilateral cooperation as we share common issues, interests and capabilities. Georgia has achieved a great success in transformation of its armed forces and we are interested to share your experience. We are building a new and interoperable army that will be able to solve the challenges under the constitution. We have shared interests as both countries take part in international operations and contribution of the Georgian Army is greatly appreciated like our contribution in Kosovo. We have proved that small countries can also contribute to solution of global challenges. Our endeavors were recognized by the Allies and Partners at the NATO summit. It is very important that our efforts to develop and build the modern armed forces are well justified. We’ll do our best to further deepen our relationship, to make it more effective and better serve the national interests of our countries, “declared Valeriu Troenco.

The Moldavian Defence Ministry representatives laid a wreath on the Heroes’ Memorial at the Heroes Square. Minister Valeriu Troenco has also visited the Vaziani IV Mechanized Brigade, National Training Centre “Krtsanisi” and Davit Agmashenebeli National Defence Academy.