Romanian Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Toiu held political-diplomatic talks on Thursday with her Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, during her official visit to Ukraine, emphasizing the vital importance of protecting the rights of national minorities, including educational access, religious freedom, and the right to free association.
According to a press release from the Romanian Foreign Ministry (MAE) sent to AGERPRES, Oana Toiu reaffirmed Romania’s support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, praising the heroism of the Ukrainian people and the efforts of the authorities in Kyiv toward a just and lasting peace. She also highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s European path, welcomed the significant progress made so far, and encouraged continued efforts for a credible, predictable, and comprehensive implementation of reforms.
„I visited the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital and witnessed the resilience of this people. Despite these horrific moments, doctors, nurses, volunteers, mothers, and family members all contribute. I was deeply impressed by their courage and determination, even in the smallest ones. Perhaps this is the most important thing that unites us: the desire to protect our children,” the Foreign Minister Toiu told a press conference.
She also presented Romania’s actions in support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, with a special focus on investments in cross-border infrastructure development. She stressed the importance of a sovereign, independent, and European Ukraine for a secure and prosperous Black Sea region.
„Since this war of aggression began, we have been staunch supporters of peace and firm supporters of our neighbors. Let me be clear: this is just as much an act of international solidarity between sovereign neighboring nations as it is a way to ensure Romania’s security. Together, we have turned these difficult circumstances into an opportunity for structured cooperation. We have heavily invested in our infrastructure and opened new border crossing points. We are building new bridges between our economies, societies, and cultures,” she said.
The bilateral political consultations between the two foreign ministers covered all topics on the bilateral agenda, the Foreign Ministry adds.
Oana Toiu reiterated the fundamental importance of protecting the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, including the rights to education, religion, and free association. She referred to the unique contribution of ethnic Romanians in Ukraine and Ukrainians in Romania to strengthening ties between the two countries and ensuring a safe, prosperous European future.
„Our communities are very important the Romanian community in Ukraine and the Ukrainian community in Romania. In this regard, I welcome the intention of the Ukrainian authorities to declare August 31 as Romanian Language Day,” she stated.
AGERPRES
