Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moldova, Ukraine and Romania should strengthen their cooperation in security, economic development and European integration.
He made the remarks during a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Romanian President Nicusor Dan.
Zelensky thanked Moldova and Romania for the support they have provided to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s war against the country.
“It is very important that we always stand together, exactly as we are today: Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Romania,” Zelensky said.
Zelensky Warns of Regional Security Threats
The Ukrainian president warned that countries neighboring Russia need to cooperate as closely as possible to strengthen their security and ability to respond to threats.
Referring to Russia’s attacks against Ukraine, Zelensky said that Kyiv had experienced 11 air raid alerts caused by drones and ballistic missiles over the previous 24 hours.
“Unfortunately, for our citizens, these air raid alerts and attacks with ballistic missiles have become something constant. We all understand how abnormal Russia is,” the Ukrainian president said.
Zelensky stressed that Moldova, Ukraine and Romania should strengthen their infrastructure, economic potential and national security capabilities.
He described the three countries as “natural allies” in logistics and other areas, arguing that deeper cooperation would make all three states stronger.
“Moldova, Ukraine and Romania are natural allies, successful allies across all logistics chains and in many areas, and we must continue strengthening this alliance, because it is precisely this alliance that makes us stronger,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president also said Ukraine was ready to contribute to strengthening the security capabilities of Moldova and Romania and to continue joint efforts to address regional threats.
Shared Goal of EU Membership
European integration was another key topic discussed by the three leaders.
Zelensky said Ukraine and Moldova share the same strategic objective – joining the European Union – and expressed hope that both countries would achieve rapid and concrete progress in the accession process.
“We will find ourselves together in the European Union. We understand that this is our common desire,” Volodymyr Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president concluded by expressing his support for Moldova’s independence, peace and security.