Dubrovnik, Croatia, October 8, 2023—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik to participate in the third "Ukraine - Southeast Europe" summit, scheduled for Wednesday. The summit brings together Ukraine and 12 countries from the region to discuss pressing issues such as peace initiatives, security challenges, and pathways to European Union and NATO membership.
Upon his arrival, President Zelensky announced via his official Telegram channel:
"I came to Croatia to meet with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, representatives of other countries of the region, and to participate in the third 'Ukraine - Southeastern Europe' summit."
Meeting with Croatian Prime Minister
At the outset of his visit, President Zelensky is set to hold talks with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. The discussions will focus on:
- Defense Cooperation: Exploring ways to continue and enhance military collaboration between Ukraine and Croatia.
- Rehabilitation of Wounded Soldiers: Addressing support mechanisms for Ukrainian soldiers injured on the front lines.
- Reconstruction of Ukraine: Discussing initiatives for rebuilding infrastructure and communities affected by the ongoing conflict.
Zelensky highlighted the importance of these talks, stating:
"We will talk about the continuation of defense cooperation, the rehabilitation of our soldiers who were wounded on the front line, as well as about the reconstruction of Ukraine."
Summit Agenda
The summit, operating under the format "Ukraine plus 12 countries," aims to tackle several critical topics:
- Implementation of the Peace Formula: Deliberating on strategies to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region.
- International Efforts for Peace: Coordinating with international partners to strengthen peace initiatives.
- Joint Security Responses: Developing collective responses to ongoing security challenges.
- European Integration: Advancing Ukraine's aspirations to join the European Union and NATO.
President Zelensky emphasized the collaborative nature of the summit:
"At the summit in the format of 'Ukraine plus 12 countries,' we will discuss international efforts to bring peace and the implementation of the Peace Formula, our joint response to security challenges with our partners, as well as cooperation on the way to the European Union and NATO."
Background
- Previous Declarations: On February 28, leaders from Southeast European countries and Ukraine signed a joint declaration in Albania. The document called on the international community to strengthen support for Ukraine and reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized 1991 borders.
- Commitment to Peace: The leaders expressed their dedication to providing Ukraine with the necessary support to defeat aggression and achieve a just peace.
Significance of the Summit
The "Ukraine - Southeast Europe" summit serves as a pivotal platform for:
- Regional Cooperation: Enhancing diplomatic and economic ties between Ukraine and Southeast European nations.
- Security Collaboration: Coordinating efforts to address common security threats and challenges in the region.
- European Integration Efforts: Supporting Ukraine's journey toward EU and NATO membership by aligning policies and standards.
Looking Ahead
President Zelensky's participation underscores Ukraine's commitment to fostering strong relationships with neighboring countries and international partners. The outcomes of the summit are anticipated to have significant implications for regional stability, security cooperation, and Ukraine's integration into European and transatlantic structures.
