Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call with Moldovan Prime Minister Maia Sandu yesterday to discuss continued bilateral and multinational cooperation between the neighboring countries.
Zelensky expressed his gratitude for Moldova’s support, and Ukraine invited Moldova to attend the Ukraine-Southeastern Europe Summit.
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The date and location of this year’s Ukraine-Southeastern Europe Summit have not been announced, but previous locations included Greece, Albania, and Croatia. Sandu has agreed to attend, according to Zelensky’s office.
“Moldova has been supporting us since the very beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression. We deeply value this and will always be grateful. As neighbours and friends, our countries cooperate in various formats, each of which contributes to the strength and security of both our nations,” the Ukrainian president wrote in a post on X.
“I’ve confirmed my participation in the upcoming Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit. Moldova stands firmly with Ukraine – for peace, freedom, and its European future. Our voice in support of Ukraine remains strong in all multilateral fora,” the Moldovan leader wrote in a post on X.
Sandu has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine and has continuously lobbied Europe to stand alongside Kyiv amid lagging support from some European neighbors after over three years of war.
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Zelensky and Sandu met last Friday in Tirana at the European Community Political Summit on May 16.
“We talked about steps to achieve sustainable peace and strengthen our bilateral cooperation,” Zelensky wrote on his Telegram channel following last week’s meeting. “For Ukraine, the priority now is a complete ceasefire for at least 30 days. This should provide a basis for diplomacy.”
Ukraine has used these conferences in the past to deepen cooperation and partnership with its regional allies, including Moldova.
Like Ukraine, Moldova is a former Soviet republic and is no stranger to Russian aggression. Moldova has been facing Russian-backed separatists in its Transnistria region, along with subversive influence from the Kremlin, for decades.
Moldova also has aspirations for joining the European Union. Ukraine has pushed to open EU accession negotiations simultaneously with Moldova, a proposal that the EU has said it is considering.
The small country has been dependent on Russian gas for fuel and energy since its independence, but in January, Zelensky offered to supply coal to ease both their energy crisis.