Zelensky invites Romanian president to take part in Crimean Platform summit
"The interlocutors exchanged views on the international agenda, discussed in detail the current challenges to regional security, and the further development of bilateral dialogue between Ukraine and Romania. Measures taken by the governments of both countries to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular to ensure greater access to high-quality and certified vaccines, were discussed," reads the report.
Volodymyr Zelensky briefed Klaus Iohannis on Russia's recent escalation of the situation along Ukraine's border and noted the importance of the international community's active support for reducing tension at the border, which, however, has not completely disappeared.
In this regard, the president praised the recent joint statement by the leaders of the Bucharest Nine reaffirming the apprehension of the peril of the Russian Federation's policy in the Black Sea region.
Zelensky shared the latest information on the lasting militarization of the temporarily occupied Ukrainian Crimea and drew attention to the constant deterioration of the humanitarian situation on the peninsula. He personally invited the president of Romania to Kyiv to take part in the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform and events marking the Independence Day of Ukraine in August 2021.
The parties also discussed Ukraine's recent steps towards European integration. The president presented to his counterpart the Ukrainian initiative as regards the support for Ukraine’s future membership in the European Union by the EU member states, and urged Romania to join a number of countries whose presidents have already signed such bilateral documents with Ukraine.
The presidents noted the growth of trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and Romania in 2020 despite the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Zelensky, the implementation of planned border infrastructure projects, in particular the construction of a bridge across the Tisza River, will contribute to the intensification of economic cooperation and the strengthening of interpersonal contacts.
As reported, the Crimean Platform is a new consultative and coordination format initiated by Ukraine to improve the efficiency of the international response to the occupation of Crimea, respond to growing security challenges, step up international pressure on Russia, prevent further human rights violations, protect victims of the occupation regime and to achieve the de-occupation of Crimea. Ukraine actively invites other states to join this international initiative.
The first Crimean Platform summit is scheduled for August 23, 2021.
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