First 2026 meeting of foreign ministers of Moldova, Romania, Ukraine in Odesa Triangle format: strengthening trilateral cooperation on discussions' agenda

Strengthening trilateral cooperation in the context of security challenges triggered  by the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, with a focus on political coordination, energy security and regional connectivity, has been at the center of discussions at this year’s first meeting of the foreign affairs ministers of Moldova, Romania and Ukraine in the Odesa Triangle format.

The discussions between Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popsoi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania Oana Toiu and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha took place in the context of the Munich Security Conference.

“The discussions focused on strengthening trilateral cooperation in the context of security challenges triggered by the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, with an emphasis on political coordination, energy security and regional connectivity. The ministers underlined the need for joint actions, in order to counter hybrid threats and disinformation,” the Moldovan Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

The officials welcomed the progress made in the energy sector, including the development of electricity interconnections and the rapprochement with the European energy market, as well as the advancement of infrastructure projects aimed at better integrating the region into European transport networks.

Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi reiterated Moldova’s solidarity with Ukraine and the importance of the shared European path.

“Ukraine’s security is also the security of Moldova. Only through unity, cooperation and European integration, we can ensure lasting peace and stability in the region,” said Mihai Popsoi.

The Moldovan foreign minister thanked Romania for its constant support to  Moldova, including in managing energy and security crises and reconfirmed the firm commitment to deepen trilateral cooperation and advance European integration.

The ministers stressed the importance of capitalizing on the Odesa Triangle format as an effective mechanism for coordination and implementation of joint projects aimed at strengthening the region’s stability and development.

The trilateral cooperation format Moldova–Romania–Ukraine was launched at the ministerial level in 2022, in Odesa. Subsequently, meetings of the foreign ministers took place in Bucharest (2023), Chișinău (2024) and Chernivtsi (2025), where the fourth trilateral meeting was held and the coordination mechanism between the foreign ministries of the three states was strengthened.

The format, currently known as the Odesa Triangle, represents a platform for dialogue and cooperation in areas of strategic interest, including security, energy, infrastructure, combating disinformation and support for the European integration of Moldova and Ukraine.