In Moldova, began exercises with the participation of the US military

Exercises began in Moldova with the participation of the United States, Poland, Georgia and Romania, the press service of the Ministry of Defense of the republic said.

“The exercises “Efort comun 2015” (“Joint efforts 2015”) are held on the basis of the motorized rifle brigade “Moldova” at the training ground near the city of Balti. The soldiers will practice joint actions, exchange experiences and check the compatibility of weapon types,” the message says.

American artillerymen will instruct their Moldovan colleagues on the use of 120 and 60 mm mortar weapons from the equipment of the Moldovan and American armies. As the commander of the Moldovan contingent, Colonel Veaceslav Rusu, said, “The US and Moldovan armies have friendly relations, so annual tactical exercises with the participation of the American military have already become a tradition.” He noted that most of the maneuvers in which the Moldovan side takes part are carried out under the auspices of NATO.

Earlier, the United States welcomed the decision of the Moldovan authorities to increase the defense budget for the modernization of the army in connection with the Ukrainian crisis. This was stated by US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus at a meeting with Moldovan President Nikolai Timofti. As the Minister of Defense of Moldova Viorel Cibotaru informed, defense spending will be at least 1% of GDP.

According to the constitution, Moldova is a neutral state that cannot join military blocs. According to polls in the country, only 23% of citizens support joining NATO. However, Chisinau claims that this is not an obstacle to cooperation within the framework of an individual partnership plan, according to which alliance experts advise the Moldovan military. For its part, Moldova provides support in NATO peacekeeping operations by sending its military there.

The NATO Information Center also operates in Chisinau.