Defense Minister Eugen Sturza today met with US Ambassador to Moldova James D. Pettit.

On this occasion, the officials reviewed the cooperation between the two countries on the defense dimension and discussed new opportunities for intensifying the partnership between the armies of the Republic of Moldova and the USA.

Minister Sturza presented the reform agenda in particular the approval of strategic documents - the National Defense Strategy and the Military Strategy, the increase of the defense budget and the intensification of the participation of the National Army troops in peacekeeping operations.

Eugen Sturza thanked the US Government for support in the assistance and training programs, which aimed at strengthening the Moldovan defense system.

The Minister of Defense referred to the training of the military in the specialized educational institutions in the US, the endowment with equipment and technical units, as well as activities and exercises jointly carried out by the National Army with the National Guard of the State of North Carolina.

The Minister of Defense appreciated the US contribution to the reconstruction of the Bulboaca National Army Military Training Base within the Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative (GPOI). According to Eugen Sturza, due to this project, Moldovan soldiers detached in foreign missions will have optimal training conditions.

In turn, Ambassador James D. Pettit welcomed the appointment of Eugen Sturza and expressed confidence that the new minister's initiatives would boost defense sector reforms. The official added that the US would continue the support to modernize the National Army.