ForMin Odobescu: Moldovan, Ukrainian authorities must further apply necessary reforms for European integration

"I reiterated that Romania remains a firm supporter of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine at the European level. The continuation of the process of expanding the European Union through the integration of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine is a priority foreign policy objective for Romania. Romania actively supports, politically, diplomatically and practically the integration of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine into the European Union", stated Odobescu at the joint conference with the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Olha Stefanishyna, and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Cristina Gherasimov.

Luminita Odobescu noted the progress made by the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in terms of reforms and pointed out the importance of their continuation.

"The authorities in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine must further apply with the same determination and consistency the reforms necessary for European integration. The period that follows after the decision to open accession negotiations will be an extremely complex one for both countries. The accession process in itself puts additional pressure on the administrative structures of the two states. On the one hand, there is a need for a strong commitment both in Kyiv and Chisinau, but also at the European level, and on the other hand, political support and practice from the member states of the European Union. Romania remains committed to providing its full support for the European integration process of the two states," said the Romanian foreign minister.

She condemned the war waged by Russia in Ukraine.

"The Russian Federation continues its illegal aggression against Ukraine. We are talking about the unacceptable use of force in violation of international law and the UN Charter to promote a revisionist agenda and deny the right of a state to decide sovereignly on its future. This war of aggression has also produced continues to produce victims, many of them civilians, including children, suffering for millions of Ukrainians, as well as incalculable destruction throughout Ukraine. We saw it tonight in the brutal Russian attacks on the port of Ismail, very close to the border with us. We are impressed by Ukraine's resistance, by its heroic fight for the defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, for the right of its citizens to live freely. We must remember every day how important this resistance is for our security and the stability of Europe," Odobescu said.

Odobescu stated that the Republic of Moldova remains the state most affected by this war after Ukraine.

"The authorities in Chisinau are faced with a wide spectrum of hybrid attacks and disinformation campaigns carried out by the Russian Federation, as well as with the economic and social repercussions caused by the war. On a broader level, the destabilizing effects of the war are deeply felt at the regional level and at the European level", the foreign minister also said.

Luminita Odobescu specified that "our response to Russia's aggression and the problems we face as a result of this illegal aggression must be to deepen cooperation and solidarity in support of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova".

"I reiterate that Romania firmly and unwaveringly supports the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova within their internationally recognized borders. Romania wants a just, lasting peace, based on respect for the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine", Minister Odobescu pointed out.

She emphasized that the cooperation projects with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine must also be seen from the perspective of the integration of the two countries, including in the European Single Market, giving as an example the interconnection projects in the field of energy and transport and cooperation for the operation of solidarity corridors.

"I conclude by reaffirming our full, permanent and multidimensional support both for the Republic of Moldova and for Ukraine", concluded Odobescu.

(Fluierul)