Defence ministry announces that Moldovan soldiers to participate in exercise in Ukraine

Chisinau, 06 September /MOLDPRES/ – A contingent of the National Army of 57 soldiers will participate in the training session Rapid Trident 2017 on 07 – 23 September, held at the Yavoriv International Peacekeeping Centre in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defence's press service has informed that during the activity, there will test interoperability to jointly carry out practical missions at command and control points, convoy escorting, cordoning, patrol operations, but also to neutralize improvised explosive devices and medical evacuation procedures soldiers from 14 countries.

According to the commander of the Moldovan contingent, lieutenant – colonel Alexandru Marcuta, the purpose of the applications is to develop the interoperability level, strengthen defence capabilities and promote the image of the National Army on the international arena, for further participation in peacekeeping missions.

The Moldovan executive consists of soldiers of the 22nd peacekeeping battalion and of Brigade 01 Moldova.

At Rapid Trident 2017, there are about 1,800 servicemen from 14 countries: Bulgaria, Canada, Estonia, Italy, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; the United States of America.

The Government approved the decision on the participation of a Moldovan military contingent at the Rapid Trident 2017 training course in Ukraine today. The issue was put on the agenda at the suggestion of Prime Minister Pavel Filip, who was concerned that President Igor Dodon forbade Moldovan soldiers to take part in training abroad, where the National Army staff could gain experience. Soon, the head of state suspended the Executive's decision.

(Reporter A. Ciobanu, editor A. Raileanu)