Memorial complex inaugurated in southern district village of Moldova

Chisinau, 04 June /MOLDPRES/ – Prime Minister Pavel Filip participated at the ceremony of inauguration of the SMURD Memorial Complex today, built as a tribute to the four members of the SMURD helicopter crew from Iasi. It is located in village Haragis, Cantemir district, on the place where the aviation accident occurred on 02 June 2016, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.

In his speech, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the work of rescuing the human lives that the Romanian heroes did in the Republic of Moldova, mentioning that the monument unveiled at Haragis will keep their memory alive. "Today, one year after their tragic death on mission, we honour these four heroes – Doru Gavril, Voicu Socae, Mihaela Dumea and Gabriel Sandu. We will never forget them," said the head of the Cabinet of Ministers.

Also, Pavel Filip emphasized the importance of working with emergency services in Romania to develop the healthcare system in Moldova and thanked those working in SMURD Romania for involvement and professionalism. "The human relations are very important. Beyond the fact that we have a common history and that our hearts are beating in the same rhythm, we do our best to get even closer. I assure you of all the gratitude of the Republic of Moldova and thank all those who contribute to making this project a success," said the Premier.

At his turn, the Romanian Ambassador to Moldova, Daniel Ionita, thanked the authorities who contributed to the monument edification. "We will be with you all along, we will support the European path of the Republic of Moldova. Projects such as SMURD and others that we want to develop in health and education are meant to help build trust and ensure well-being for all Moldovan citizens. The Prut separates us, but unites us a great brotherly love," added the Romanian diplomat.

Attending the event, the Secretary of State and the head of the Department of Emergency Situations of the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs Raed Arafat stressed that the life-saving mission had no borders, and the collaboration between Romania and the Republic of Moldova was an example for other European countries of how it could work together.

To date, the Mobile Emergency, Reanimation and Delivery Service (SMURD) has performed over 3000 interventions on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, of which 28 are aero-medical.

The memorial complex is an alley with a length of more than 50 metres, consisting of three elements: a trot, a helicopter landing track, and a marble memorial plate. The edification expenditures were covered by donations gathered in the Republic of Moldova and Romania.