On the sidelines of the 54th Meeting of the Multinational Advisory Group (MAG) and the celebration of the 25th anniversary of RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation, Brigadier General Michael Schoy, Director of the German Verification Center (BwVC), met with the Director of RACVIAC to reaffirm the deep and enduring partnership between Germany and RACVIAC.
Germany, as one of the founding nations and strongest supporters of RACVIAC, has played a pivotal role in establishing and shaping the Centre’s mission as a platform for regional dialogue, transparency, and cooperation in the field of arms control and security policy. The meeting highlighted the historical bond and shared vision that continue to guide this successful partnership.
H.E. Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie expressed profound appreciation for Germany’s foundational support and long-term commitment, which ensured the Centre’s growth and operational stability over the years. From the early establishment of its infrastructure to the continuous provision of financial, technical, and expert contributions, Germany’s engagement has remained a cornerstone of RACVIAC development.
Both sides recognized the important contribution of German experts and personnel who have served in key positions within the Centre since its founding, including the first MAG Chairman, General Hans Hübner, and Deputy Director, Colonel Burkhard Thomaschewski, whose leadership set the tone for RACVIAC early successes. While no German personnel are currently seconded to RACVIAC, both parties expressed openness to exploring future opportunities for renewed staff engagement and expert cooperation.
The meeting also underlined the excellent cooperation between RACVIAC and the Bundeswehr Verification Center, particularly in the domain of arms control training and education. Germany’s long-term involvement in the Dayton Article IV Course, along with contributions to the Vienna Document 2011 and Open Skies courses, continues to enrich RACVIAC Programme through the sharing of expertise and best practices.
Special recognition was given to the BwVC’s upcoming participation in the Arms Control Symposium, where Germany will present the COSI (Conventional Arms Control On-Site Inspections) initiative — an important contribution to ongoing professional dialogue and innovation in verification practices.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Grigorie and Brigadier General Schoy emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in new areas such as emerging verification technologies, hybrid inspection challenges, and joint training module development. RACVIAC reaffirmed its readiness to remain a trusted regional platform for arms control dialogue and capacity building — a mission that continues to reflect Germany’s own policy objectives in promoting transparency and confidence-building among nations.
Concluding the meeting, both parties expressed mutual commitment to deepening this strategic partnership, encouraging continued dialogue and joint initiatives in the years to come.
