Head of state, at 35th anniversary of National Army's establishment, says peaceful Moldova needs Moldova capable of defending its peace

President Maia Sandu today attended the ceremony marking the 35th anniversary of the National Army’s establishment. The head of state thanked the military personnel for the professionalism, discipline and responsibility with which they carry out their missions at home and abroad, while also highlighting the progress made in recent years in strengthening the National Army through better military training, the procurement of modern equipment and expanded cooperation with the armed forces of European countries.

The Moldovan president emphasized that investments in national defense stayed imperative, given that Moldova is directly experiencing the consequences of Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. “The missiles that have crossed our airspace and the drones that have fallen on our country’s territory represent a harsh warning that we must continue investing in our defense capabilities,” the head of state said. In this regard, Maia Sandu noted that the state would continue allocating resources for modern equipment and better service conditions for military personnel, as well as developing external partnerships: “A peaceful Moldova needs a Moldova capable of defending its peace,” the president reiterated.

The head of state also highlighted the contribution of Moldovan military personnel to international security, including their current participation in three international peacekeeping missions. At the same time, the Moldovan president praised the Army’s recent support for citizens and authorities in the country: the work of bomb disposal specialists to neutralize explosive objects and drone components, the assistance provided during icy and freezing conditions and the contribution to removing the consequences of pollution in the Dniester River.

Maia Sandu emphasized that the Army’s most important resource is its people and expressed gratitude to the military personnel and their families, as well as to the veterans and reservists who had contributed to the creation of the armed forces and defended the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Moldova. “The country sees your work and appreciates it,” the head of state concluded.

During the ceremony, President Maia Sandu presented state distinctions and diplomas of honor.