(Editor’s Note: The following article is about a graduation ceremony at the Military Academy of Armed Forces in Chisinau, Moldova and was posted on the Ministry of Defense of Republic of Moldova’s website. The article is being reposted here as officials attending the ceremony have attended non-resident programs at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies and are members of the Partnership for Peace Consortium ‘s Defense Education Enhancement Program.)

CHISINAU, June 27, 2015 — You represent the hope and promise for a strong and secure future for the Republic of Moldova. You have excelled in a demanding academic programme, a programme that represents a concerted effort of the Republic of Moldova to build a corps of dedicated and talented military officers. A programme that will lay the foundation for a capable military and strong national security.

The statement was made by NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Alexander Vershbow, in his video message for class 2015 of the Military Academy of Armed Forces “Alexandru cel Bun” (MAAF) during a ceremony held in the Triumphal Arch Square in Chisinau.

The event brought together the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and National Army Main Staff, representatives of diplomatic corps and military attachés to Republic of Moldova, as well as NATO experts responsible for implementation of DEEP military education modernization program, MAAF students and their relatives.

During the ceremony, the graduates received their diplomas and the rank of Lieutenant. Also, the best students of the class received Honors Servicemember Insignia.

Minister of Defense, Viorel Cibotaru, said that a new class of well-trained officers join the National Army to do their service in the units and institutions of the Ministry of Defense. “I strongly believe that today’s graduates will fit in the military units without difficulty and will contribute to the ongoing professionalization and improvement of the military sector through their high level of training. I am confident that they will carry out their missions with promptitude, honesty, and responsibility”, declared Minister Cibotaru.

According to Commander (rector) of MAAF, Col. Mihail Buclis, class 2015 has 84 young men trained for the specialties of infantry, artillery and communications.

Since 1992, the Military Academy “Alexandru cel Bun” has prepared 1,659 officers for the Armed Forces.