AGERPRES special correspondent Cristian Lupascu reports: Prince Radu underlined, on Wednesday evening, in Chisinau, the fundamental role of national defense in the context of today's world.

Present at a reception organized on the occasion of the celebration of the Romanian Army Day, held by the Embassy of Romania in Chisinau, Prince Radu said that Romanian servicemen, wherever they are, 'are respected by everyone'.

'The last few years have shown, more and more, how important it is for our societies today, which strive to be democratic and at the same time just, if that is possible, how much importance national defense has in this troubled and unpredictable world of ours. I don't think there is anyone left, from the youngest to the oldest, who can talk about the present or future of our countries without thinking about national security and defense, which is why the large family of our soldiers, wherever they may be, (...) is a family respected by everyone,' Prince Radu said.

He also spoke about the role that the Royal Family had in laying the foundations of the modern Romanian Army.

'The foundations of the modern Romanian Army were laid 160 years ago, when our ancestor, King Carol I, set out on the path, just as the Republic of Moldova is setting out today, with great hope and determination, but not with very many means. And his difficulties, as well as those of the Romanian Army, in those years, were combated with hope, with patriotism, with pride, with determination and with the refusal to be defeated', His Royal Highness also said.

Present at the event, the Romanian Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Cristian-Leon Turcanu, also evoked the role of the army in modern societies, showing that the military staff 'live their lives for us, the rest of us, so that our societies can develop in peace and security'.

'I am particularly happy to celebrate, this year too, together, the Romanian Army Day. It is essential that, at least once a year, we stop for a moment and honor those who dedicate their lives and sometimes sacrifice their families to ensure our peace and security. Even more so in these years, marked by the cruel war waged by Russia with Ukraine, a war that affects each of us every day. As I was saying, I am proud, but I am also honored to be here together, to honor these men and women who, practically, live their lives for us, the rest of us, so that our societies can develop in peace and security. I am particularly honored to have His Royal Highness, Prince Radu, colonel of the Romanian Army, with us today', Turcanu said.

The event was also attended by the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Moldova, Anatolie Nosatii, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps in the Republic of Moldova, Romanian and Moldovan military staff. AGERPRES(RO - writing by: Georgiana Tanasescu; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi)