President's message at ceremony dedicated to National Army Day

Mister Minister,

Mister Chief of the General Staff,

Ladies and gentlemen officers and soldiers,

Today we mark 34 years since the creation of the National Army - an institution of courage and discipline, a symbol of devotion to the state of the Republic of Moldova.

It is a day where we express our respect for the fundamental role of the National Army in defending peace and maintaining the safety of citizens.

The context in which we find ourselves is a complicated one. For over three years now, war has been ravaging the neighboring country, and the sad and harsh lesson we must learn is that peace does not preserve itself.

It must be protected daily, including through a capable and modern army. For peace to prevail, any aggressor must know that the Republic of Moldova is not powerless in the face of threats.

That is why, in recent years, with the support of our friends and partners, we have made investments in new equipment and facilities to modernize the National Army.

But we know that the path does not stop here. We need effective air defense, strong cyber and energy resilience, and measures to protect our nation's critical infrastructure.

Equally important is the investment in people - in you, those who wear the military uniform, officers, soldiers - who are the shield of the Republic of Moldova.

The expansion of social benefits, improvement of service and living conditions, and increase in incomes for those in the Army send a clear message: the country takes care of those who take care of the country. Certainly, more is needed, and we aim to do more, but looking back at the past four years, the strategic direction is correct.

I want you to know that we have full confidence in you. Because we know that you are alongside the citizens of the Republic of Moldova in times of crisis.

In the face of natural disasters, bad weather, or other challenges, you, the military, have always been on duty when civilian institutions could no longer cope.

You have also honored our tricolor abroad with distinction and professionalism. By participating in international peace missions in the Balkans, the Middle East, or Africa, you have been true ambassadors of our country, earned the respect of colleagues from other countries, and demonstrated through your actions that the Republic of Moldova is a responsible partner of the international community.

On this anniversary, we have to address sincere thank you to all those who have written - and continue to write - the history of the National Army: active military personnel, veterans, reservists.

We also thank your families who support you and wait for you at home with longing, because the sacrifice of putting the country first is not only yours but also of those dear to you.

Let us also honor today the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and peace.

We have the sacred duty to preserve it - for both those fallen and for future generations.

Thank you!