Ukraine is ready to provide aid to the affected localities in the Republic of Moldova
Ukraine is ready to contribute with equipment and rescuers for the liquidation of the consequences of the heavy rains that fell in the last days in the Republic of Moldova. The statement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sibyha, during a press conference in Chisinau.
"I want to express my solidarity with all those who suffered as a result of the natural calamities in the Republic of Moldova. The Moldovan people can count on the substantial support of Ukraine in this regard. We are ready to send equipment and rescuers, or Ukrainian rescuers are recognized as the best, given their experience," said Sybiha.
The head of Ukrainian diplomacy thanked the people and the leadership of the Republic of Moldova for their support and solidarity and for receiving more than 120 thousand Ukrainians who had to take refuge.
Andrii Sybiha mentioned that he had a very extensive discussion with the Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi regarding the bilateral dialogue, the hybrid threats from Russia and the common future of the two countries. In particular, the discussions focused on regional collaboration in the energy field, on bilateral collaboration in the field of transport infrastructure related to the ports on the Danube and the Black Sea.
Another topic of discussion was the perspective of our states of European integration. In this sense, Sybiha mentioned that Ukraine is counting a lot on Poland's presidency that will start on January 1, 2025. "We hope to open the negotiations not one chapter at a time, but in parallel," said the Ukrainian Foreign Minister.
Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine was, is and will remain with the Republic of Moldova in countering the hybrid aggression from Russia. "Today we coordinated the actions regarding Russian disinformation, both towards our countries and in the countries of the region. As long as the armed forces of Ukraine stand up to the invaders, you can be sure that you are safe," said the Ukrainian official.
Referring to the solution of the Transnistrian problem, Andrii Sybriha mentioned that Ukraine supports the peaceful settlement, by returning the region to the recognized borders of the Republic of Moldova. "The Transnistrian region is Moldova. Russia must withdraw its army from the transnistrian region. Ukraine will remain an active participant in the negotiations regarding the Transnistrian settlement and will provide all the support that the Republic of Moldova needs in the peaceful settlement process,"said the head of Ukrainian diplomacy.
For his part, the Moldovan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popșoi, declared that Andrii Sybiha's visit confirms the fact that the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine are reliable partners, which step by step are moving towards an irreversible European future. "In today's discussion, we noted the substantial progress made by both countries on the European dimension, in particular, the launch in June by both states of the EU accession negotiations. We have reconfirmed the openness to continue the exchange of information and best practices in this strategic field for both states", said Mihai Popșoi.
The deputy prime minister also mentioned that the Republic of Moldova supports the peace plan proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi.
"Our country strongly condemns Russia's unprovoked and illegitimate armed aggression against Ukraine, an aggression associated with multiple war crimes, loss of human life, occupation of territories and massive destruction of infrastructure. Since the beginning of the war, our country has been with Ukraine and supports it in all international forums and platforms. In this context, I would like to especially reconfirm full support for the "Peace Formula" proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, which is the only way to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace."
