Deputy Chief of Staff of SHAPE's Military Partnerships Directorate,  Major General Odd Egil Pedersen visits Moldovan combat engineers during a recent visit to the country. - NATO Photo by SHAPE Public Affairs Office

CHISINAU, Moldova - Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe's (SHAPE) Deputy Chief of Staff of the Military Partnerships Directorate, Major General Odd Egil Pedersen, and a small NATO team visited the Moldovan Ministry of Defence from Aug. 21 to 23, 2018 to discuss and explore ways of enhancing several areas of military co-operation.

Briefings were given to several Moldovan Ministry of Defence staff divisions on a number of subjects including Cyber Defence. The NATO team also visited the Security Zone and Combat Engineer force elements that provide dedicated support to the KFOR Mission in the Balkans.

"Defence Reform and Capacity Building are crucial in reinforcing our ability to work together amongst the Alliance and our Partners. I have been very impressed with the progress and the Moldovan National Army's evaluation and certification achievements, and the enthusiasm and professionalism of the officer and senior non-commissioned officer instructors," said Major General Pedersen. "The excellent EOD work in Kosovo is a prime example of what can be achieved."

A key strength of NATO's cooperation with Moldova is its transparency and NATO continues to support in areas that are only specifically requested by the Republic of Moldova's Government. Moldova's neutrality remains important and ensures stability, promoting peace and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

SHAPE's Military Partnerships Directorate has a vital role for NATO in collaboration with Partners within the current global security situation. NATO pursues regional stability through engagement and dialogue with the 41 Partner Nations through a variety of programmes and initiatives.