For the first time, Moldova sent 19 of its military to Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate in the European Union peace mission, EUFOR Althea. This was announced today, September 30, by the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova.
Moldovan soldiers will participate in the operation as part of the Romanian contingent. Head of the Department of Defense Anatoly Nosaty He noted that EUFOR Althea is the first EU operation involving Moldovan military personnel trained in accordance with international standards. They will conduct peacekeeping and patrol operations starting October 1, 2024 for the next 12 months.
“I am sure that the officers, sergeants and soldiers of this contingent will fulfill their tasks at the highest level, honorably carrying the flag of Moldova in this mission, as their colleagues did and continue to do in peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, Lebanon or on the African continent”, – said the minister.
For his part, the Romanian ambassador in Chisinau, who was present at the contingent’s departure ceremony, Christian Leon Turcanu He added that Moldova already participates in UN and NATO peace missions in several regions of the world.
“Today’s action confirms that the Republic of Moldova is a European security provider and fully deserves the trust and assistance it increasingly enjoys from the international community.” – concluded the Romanian diplomat.
Recall that in July Parliament voted on the participation of the Moldovan army in the EUFOR Althea mission. At that time, the opposition was categorically opposed to the participation of the National Army in operations abroad under Romanian command. As one of the leaders of the “Victoria” bloc noted then: Alexey LunguThe authorities decided to “integrate the National Army into the Romanian security system so that our soldiers are complicit in the actions of NATO countries.”
As reported EADaily The Parliament of Moldova, with the votes of the ruling presidential party “Action and Solidarity”, adopted an amendment to the Agreement between the governments of the Republic of Moldova and Romania on cooperation in the military field. Bucharest and Chisinau will support each other in missions carried out under the auspices of the UN, OSCE, NATO or the EU. The agreement provides for the provision of logistical support, the provision of transportation, telephone, medical and Internet services, as well as evacuation assistance.
