Minister of Defense Vitalie Marinuta and his Romanian counterpart Gabriel Oprea signed an agreement on cooperation in the military sphere between the Government of Romania and the Government of Moldova in Chisinau on April 20, Info-Prim Neo reports. The agreement provides the legal framework needed for the bilateral military cooperation and includes provisions concerning the areas and forms of cooperation, the constitution of the Joint Military Commission, the organization and holding of joint exercises and training, the protection of information, financial aspects and the legal status of the personnel. Vitalie Marinuta said that there are possibilities of strengthening the cooperation relations. “I think that after the signing of the updated cooperation agreement in the military sphere, we will open a new page in the mutually advantageous cooperation relations between the military institutions of Moldova and Romania, which will contribute to efficient cooperation in the area of security and defense,” he stated. Romanian minister Gabriel Oprea said that the new agreement will contribute to developing special relations between the armies. The Romanian side will continue to provide consultancy and assistance in the process of reforming the army and in the field of military education. “We discussed within NATO the fact that the Partnership for Peace Program ensures the optimum framework for participation in the joint effort to create a safe and stable environment through political dialogue and practical cooperation and to promote internal reforms and modernize the armed forces,” said the minister. While in Moldova, Gabriel Oprea and the members of the Romanian delegation had working meetings with Moldova’s President Nicolae Timofti and Prime Minister Vlad Filat. He also visited the Cemetery of Romanian Heroes in Calarasi.