“EU enlargement is a strategic investment in security. The integration of Ukraine and Moldova into the European Union directly contributes to regional stability, strengthening democratic governance and enhancing the ability to cope with future shocks. Our program to increase regional connectivity pursues the same security goals by providing alternative energy infrastructure, transport corridors, and digital connectivity. The situation in the Middle East shows why it is so important to have alternatives,” Kos said at the opening of the conference.
Moldova’s priorities
For his part, Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihail Popşoi said that Moldova supports the completion of the stages that will lead to the realization of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and the establishment of a commission for compensation claims.
“This is part of my country’s key priorities within the framework of its chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe,” Popşoi said.
He also recalled that Moldova has been firmly supporting Ukraine since February 2022:
“More than one million Ukrainians have crossed the Moldovan border, about 100 thousand of them decided to stay. Both Moldovan citizens and the government provided assistance without hesitation, as we realize that Ukraine’s survival is inextricably linked to our own security”.
Ukraine and developments in the Middle East
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga emphasized the importance of focusing on Ukraine despite the events in the Middle East:
“Despite the developments in the Middle East, it is important that Europe and our closest allies remain focused on Ukraine and developments in our Black Sea region, as this is where our security is decided.”
“Neutrality is not a bulletproof vest”
Moldovan Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatii said that “Moldova is a neutral state and acts solely for its own defense.”
“However, neutrality is not a bulletproof vest against aggression. Events in the Black Sea region show that sovereignty and territorial integrity can be effectively defended only through strong alliances. We believe that regional alliances should be built around common values. For us, democracy and human rights are not just concepts, they are values we believe in and principles on which we are building our future”.
On Monday, March 23, Moldova is hosting the third international conference on security in the Black Sea region under the auspices of the Crimean Platform. Delegations from more than 30 countries and representatives of international organizations are participating. The event is organized jointly by the Moldovan and Ukrainian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, with the support of the European Union.
