Trilateral meeting in Odesa // President of Romania: "We must remain steadfast in defending international law, respect for human life, freedom and democracy"

President of Romania Nicusor Dan, during the Ukraine - Southeast Europe Summit held in Odesa today, said that, in such complex and uncertain times as those we are living in, states must remain determined in defending international law, respect for human life, dignity, freedom and democracy.

“The countries present at this table are part of the European Union (EU) or aspire to this status. Romania knows from its own experience that joining the EU is a deeply transformative process, bringing economic development, social stability, immense opportunities and security. As we work together towards this European future, we should better leverage formats like today's, in order to coordinate our efforts and stay united. In such complex and uncertain times as those we are living in, we must stay steadfast in defending international law, respect for human life, dignity, freedom and democracy. These are the values that the Ukrainian people defend every day,” stated Nicusor Dan, quoted by Agerpres.

The Romanian president noted that the meeting in Odessa took place in the context of recent discussions about what a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine should look like. The official emphasized that the states in the region must “remain firm in denouncing Russia's actions, which are, in fact, strategies of delay and sabotage of the peace process.”

“Ukraine has always preferred peace over war. President Zelenskyy even proposed a peace formula, based on the UN Charter and international law—a proposal supported by the great majority of the international community. When the U.S. initiative for peace seemed to gain ground, President Zelenskyy accepted the idea of a ceasefire and even to meet President Putin personally. On the other hand, Russia continues to reject any constructive initiative and does everything possible to undermine the path to peace. Russia comes with unreasonable demands, knowing they cannot be accepted. The only language Russia understands is force, and we must do everything we can for Ukraine to negotiate from a position of strength. That is why we must stand firm in denouncing Russia's actions, which are, in fact, strategies of delay and sabotage of the peace process,” Nicusor Dan said, writes Agerpres.

In the context of the Summit in Odessa, a trilateral meeting of the presidents of Moldova, Romania and Ukraine was also held.

“Together with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the President of   Moldova Maia Sandu, we held substantial discussions focused on identifying concrete areas of cooperation in strategic fields, such as energy and logistics interconnections, cross-border connectivity, security and combating hybrid threats, reconstruction and resilience building, as well as essential reforms for European integration. This collaboration shows the firm commitment of the three countries to strengthen the stability, security and European course of our region,” emphasized Nicusor Dan, in a message posted on his Facebook page.

Today, the Ukraine – Southeast Europe Summit was held in Odessa. The event was attended by 11 heads of state, government or leaders of the parliaments from Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Greece.