The document underscores the region’s support for Ukraine amid Russian aggression and highlights steps to bolster collective energy security.
Key Highlights
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Inaugural Ministerial Gathering
- Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiga welcomed his counterparts from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, Croatia, and Montenegro.
- A collective objective is to deepen cooperation between Ukraine and these Southeastern European nations for regional stability, security, and justice.
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Joint Communiqué
- Territorial Integrity: Reaffirms unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Defense and Peace: Recognizes Ukraine’s right to defend itself, insists on a just and lasting peace, and enshrines the principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
- Energy Security: Calls for the diversification of energy sources and closer regional cooperation to ensure reliable energy supplies. Emphasizes the private sector’s role in reconstructing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
- Curtailing Support for Russia: Urges the international community to cease any direct or indirect backing of Russian aggression.
- Security Guarantees & NATO: Acknowledges the importance of future security assurances for Ukraine, including its pathway to NATO membership.
- European Integration: Reinforces the commitment of EU member countries to share their experience and assist Ukraine and other Western Balkan nations in their advancement toward full membership in the European Union.
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Focus on Energy Cooperation
- Ministers confirmed that diversifying energy supply is “vital for the economic security of the countries of Southeastern Europe.”
- The document specifies a commitment to enhancing interconnections—such as pipeline links and power grids—and stresses “private sector involvement” in Ukraine’s energy reconstruction efforts.
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Next Steps
- The communiqué sets out a framework for further collaboration among the participant states and reaffirms synergy in tackling mutual challenges.
- Additional emphasis will be placed on supporting EU accession processes for Ukraine and Western Balkan aspirants, promoting stability and democratic values across the region.
Outlook
With the joint communiqué now in place, Ukraine and its Southeastern European partners aim to reinforce both political and economic ties. The focus on energy security, rebuilding critical infrastructure, and opposing Russia’s ongoing aggression forms the cornerstone of this new regional partnership. Participants see these steps as indispensable to safeguarding peace and paving the way for a robust European future that includes Ukraine.
