Southeast European countries meet in Ukraine: Joint communiqué
Photo: Ukraine hosts a meeting of Southeast European countries (mfa.gov.ua)
On Friday, January 17, Kyiv hosted the first ministerial meeting in the Ukraine-Southeast Europe format. Representatives of the Foreign Ministries of 9 countries visited Ukraine, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
“This is a very important meeting for the ministry, which develops the Ukraine-Southeast Europe format, implements the agreements of our leaders, and deepens cooperation between our countries for the sake of security, peace and justice in Europe,” said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga.
At the meeting, the diplomats discussed key issues of strengthening regional cooperation, supporting Ukraine in countering Russian aggression, and jointly moving forward on the path of European integration.
They also signed a joint communiqué emphasizing unconditional support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine and its defense potential.
Сommuniqué
In the communiqué, the foreign ministers of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, and Türkiye reaffirmed their support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Also:
- condemned Russia's illegal invasion, which threatens peace and stability in Europe;
- criticized the involvement of third-country militaries in the war against Ukraine.
- supported Ukraine's right to choose its path to security and future;
- recognized the “Peace Formula” as a realistic mechanism for restoring peace and stability;
- called for increased international support for Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and territorial integrity;
- demanded to stop any support to Russia in the war against Ukraine;
- emphasized the illegality of aggression against sovereign states and any attempts to annex the territories of Ukraine;
- support the activities of the Crimean Platform for the return of the temporarily occupied territories;
- insist on international responsibility for war crimes committed by Russia;
- condemn attacks on civilian infrastructure, forced displacement, and violations of international humanitarian law;
- prioritize the release of all prisoners and victims, especially children;
- support efforts to restore Ukraine as a key food supplier;
- recognized that it is important to ensure the safe use of nuclear energy, in particular, the return of the ZNPP to Ukrainian control;
- agreed to work on energy security and the restoration of Ukraine's energy sector;
- supported the progress of the candidate countries on their way to EU membership;
- welcomed support for Ukraine on its path to NATO membership;
- recognized the importance of the Black Sea region for Euro-Atlantic security;
- stated that a free and prosperous Ukraine is the key to a stable Europe.
