Romania\u2019s foreign minister Oana \u021aoiu was in Kyiv on Thursday, August 7, where she held a series of high-level meetings, including with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. According to the Romanian ministry, the visit marks the first bilateral trip by a Romanian foreign minister to the Ukrainian capital since the Russian invasion in 2022.<\/p>\n
In the talks with president Zelensky, Oana \u021aoiu praised \u201cthe heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people\u201d in the face of Russian aggression and reiterated \u201cRomania\u2019s deep appreciation for Ukraine\u2019s efforts to achieve peace,\u201d in contrast to Russia\u2019s continued attacks on civilians and infrastructure, reads the official press release.<\/p>\n
Moreover, both sides underlined their shared vision of a ceasefire followed by a just and lasting peace that respects Ukraine\u2019s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and European path.<\/p>\n
The Romanian minister reaffirmed her country\u2019s support for Ukraine and readiness to take an active role in reconstruction and cross-border projects benefiting both states.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The situation in the Republic of Moldova was also discussed, with emphasis on maintaining its European trajectory for regional stability.<\/p>\n\n
Oana \u021aoiu also held political consultations with Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha, reaffirming once again Romania\u2019s support for Ukraine\u2019s independence and sovereignty and commending the progress made towards EU membership. She highlighted the importance of cross-border infrastructure investments in Ukraine\u2019s reconstruction and in boosting regional resilience.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The ministers reviewed the full range of bilateral issues, including security developments in the Black Sea region, and discussed the prospect of elevating ties to a Strategic Partnership for peace, democracy, and prosperity.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, in the Romanian minister\u2019s meeting with Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko, discussions focused on regional peace, European integration and joint economic projects, including in the defence industry. Both sides agreed on continuing joint government meetings to deepen cooperation, reviewed progress on major infrastructure works such as the bridge over the Tisza River, and expressed interest in fostering business ties between Romanian and Ukrainian companies.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Svyrydenko invited Romania to participate in Ukraine\u2019s reconstruction, while \u021aoiu reiterated Romania\u2019s willingness to share its pre-accession experience and stressed the importance of fully respecting the rights of national minorities, particularly in education.<\/p>\n
The visit also included a meeting with Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of Ukraine\u2019s Verkhovna Rada, as part of the minister\u2019s official programme in Kyiv.<\/p>\n
irina.marica@romania-insider.com<\/p>\n