The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers was marked today during an event at the Ministry of Defence

The event was attended by the Speaker of the Parliament, Andrian Candu, the UN Resident Coordinator and the UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Moldova, Dafina Gercheva, military attaches accredited in Chisinau and militaries of National Army, who conducted peacekeeping operations under the UN mission.  

“Participation of the Republic of Moldova to the UN Operations demonstrates the political willingness of the country to engage in multinational operations for the maintenance of stability and international peace. I consider that it is necessary to increase the number of staff who are trained in peacekeeping missions. It is important to involve both men, and a higher number of women in operations of this kind. Participation in missions, outside the territory of the Republic of Moldova, constitutes an additional experience, transfer of knowledge and cohesion among the forces of the National Army. At the same time, through the assumption of commitments to international peacekeeping, the confidence of and relations with all UN member states is strengthened”, noted the speaker of the Parliament, Andrian Candu.

The UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Moldova appreciated the commitment of the Republic of Moldova towards peace and security in the whole world. “I would like to express my deep appreciation for the country’s commitment to peace and security across the globe. And most importantly, I would like to thank the Moldovans serving in peacekeeping operations for the important contribution they are making to the cause of peace. This day is dedicated to them and I am grateful for being part of it”, said Dafina Gercheva.

In turn, the Deputy Minister of Defence declared that the National Army has participated in international peacekeeping missions since 1997, with a total of about 300 officers and sub-officers in Iraq, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan, Ivory Coast, the Central African Republic, Georgia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Kosovo.

“The excellent performance of these militaries proves that the National Army has well-trained militaries for any type of missions. It is an important thing today, when we wish to have a wider presence in theatres of operations, contributing with women peacekeepers so necessary in the countries where the UN Peacekeeping Troops are deployed. Today we assume the obligation to continue to deploy trained militaries in peacekeeping operations contributing directly to peacekeeping internationally, and promoting the image of the Republic of Moldova and National Army abroad”, mentioned Gheorghe Galbura.

During the event, the peacekeepers were decorated with Diplomas of the Parliament and Government of the Republic of Moldova, as well as National Army honors.

Furthermore, those present at the event observed a minute's silence in the memory of all the militaries, policemen, and civilians who had died during the UN missions.

Also, the photography exhibition ‘20 years of being militaries of the National Army – women and men – keep the peace worldwide’ has been launched today in the Square of the Stefan cel Mare Monument, a project implemented by the Ministry of Defence together with the UN Women Moldova.

The exhibition has 13 photos made by the National Army militaries during their UN missions, which capture the emotions of meeting the indigenous people, daily activities of the military observers and homesickness.

Currently, 9 militaries of the National Army are in UN peacekeeping missions in the Ivory Coast, Liberia, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Kosovo, and at the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) in New York, USA.