The Republic of Moldova is an important partner for NATO and NATO fully respects the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional neutrality of Moldova. The cooperation between the sides is based on request. What we did or do is what the Government of Moldova asked us to do, Major General Odd Egil Pedersen, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Military Partnerships Directorate of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, said in a press briefing in Chisinau, IPN reports.

According to Odd Egil Pedersen, NATO is ready to further cooperate with the Republic of Moldova. The country actively contributed to the NATO presence in Kosovo and the national army personnel, the military and civil ones, distinguished themselves so far by professionalism and devotion.

National Army Commander, Brigade General Igor Cutie said Odd Egil Pedersen’s visit to Moldova represents one more step towards strengthening the relations of cooperation between Moldova and NATO. He reminded that with the support of NATO experts, there were worked out the defense strategy and the military strategy, which are strategic documents for the development of the army. Also, NATO helped to train National Army service members for peacekeeping missions.

Igor Cutie also said that the NATO project to destroy dangerous pesticides stored on Moldova’s territory was completed this year. As many as 3,245 tonnes of chemicals were transported and destroyed abroad within this project.