Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus conducted a familiarization visit to Moldova from June 24-25, 2015. During the visit, he met with Moldovan government officials and discussed issues of bilateral cooperation and regional security.
Secretary Mabus, who is responsible for overseeing the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, congratulated President Timofti on Moldova’s goal of raising its defense budget to one percent of its GDP. He emphasized that judicial reform should occur simultaneously with defense reform to increase Moldova’s overall national security.
During a meeting with Minister of Defense Viorel Cibotaru, Secretary Mabus stressed the importance that the U.S. places on its bilateral relationship with Moldova. He highlighted that improving interoperability of U.S. and Moldova’s militaries during times of relative peace allows the two countries to cooperate more effectively in challenging times. In the same context, Minister Cibotaru mentioned that the Black Sea Rotational Force is helping develop interoperability and the experience of the Moldovan National Army.
Secretary Mabus also met with members of the Embassy’s Marine Security Guard and learned about Moldovan history by visiting Orheiul Vechi.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usembassymoldova/sets/72157654644798478
