Foreign Affairs Minister Luminita Odobescu participated on Wednesday in the Ukraine – Southeast Europe Summit held in Dubrovnik, and co-chaired by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensk and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, an event where the participating states adopted a Joint Declaration affirming „the collective unwavering commitment to continued, multifaceted support to Ukraine,” the Foreign Ministry informs.

A „solid, firm and articulated” political message of support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people was sent during the Summit, representing equally an opportunity for an in-depth exchange of views regarding the multiple consequences, in terms of regional and European security, of the war of aggression launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the cited release reads.

In her intervention, Luminita Odobescu emphasized the strategic importance of building a just and comprehensive peace in and for Ukraine, which requires a dynamic combined effort of the entire international community, based on a constructive approach and oriented towards feasible results.

„It should be clear by now that Russia only understands the language of force. Every time we don’t speak up or act, we give Russia reason to believe that we are faltering in our support for Ukraine. This is why we must remain strong and united, vocal in our support for President Zelensky’s proposals, and also continue efforts to engage global partners. Romania will keep on doing this,” Odobescu said.

The Romanian top diplomat also drew attention to the „destabilizing actions of the Russian Federation in the Black Sea region, including with the aim of hijacking the European path of the Republic of Moldova”, emphasizing in this context the importance of the Romania-Republic of Moldova-Ukraine trilateral cooperation.

„Romania, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine have invested massively in improving our cross-border connectivity. These infrastructure projects, some with European funding or from international partners, others from national budgets, will generate long-term stability in the Black Sea region and beyond,” Odobescu emphasized.

During the debates, high-ranking officials from the participating states reaffirmed the importance of coordination and cooperation in view of the fast-paced continuation of the European integration process of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, as well as the Western Balkans states, the Foreign Ministry also said.

Odobescu also reaffirmed Romania’s support for the European Union’s enlargement process.

„The future of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and the Western Balkans is in the European Union. There is no real alternative to the economic growth and stability offered by the European Union. The enlargement policy is a strategic investment in the security, stability and prosperity of our entire region,” the foreign minister concluded.

AGERPRES