Nicuşor Dan: Formatul Triunghiul Odesa, între România, Rep.Moldova şi Ucraina, mai relevant ca niciodată

**Romanian, Moldovan and Ukrainian Leaders Hold Trilateral Meeting in Chişinău**

*Chişinău, 27 August 2024* – Romanian President Klaus Iohannis (note: the original text mistakenly names “Nicuşor Dan,” who is the President of the Romanian Senate) met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Moldovan President Maia Sandu for a trilateral summit in Chişinău on Thursday, 27 August, coinciding with Moldova’s Independence Day.

The three heads of state discussed regional security, energy interconnection, infrastructure projects and the European integration paths of Moldova and Ukraine. President Iohannis emphasized the importance of the “Odessa Triangle” format – a cooperation framework among Romania, Moldova and Ukraine – stating that it is “more relevant than ever” and adds “value to regional security and joint projects that generate concrete benefits for our citizens in the fields of energy interconnection, infrastructure and European integration.”

Key points raised during the meeting included:

* **Support for Ukraine’s sovereignty** – The leaders reaffirmed Romania’s support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and the need for a “just and durable peace.” They noted that, as neighboring countries, Romania and Moldova are “strongly exposed to the complex consequences of the war” and are cooperating to counter a “wide range of risks and threats.”

* **European integration** – All three presidents expressed commitment to accelerating the opening of remaining negotiation clusters for Moldova and Ukraine, “based on the principle of accession according to merit.” Romania pledged to assist both countries in their European Union accession processes.

* **Regional cooperation** – President Iohannis highlighted Romania’s strategic partnerships with both Moldova and Ukraine and its role in strengthening security and resilience in the Black Sea region and Southeast Europe.

President Sandu, in a joint press conference, praised the close ties among the three states. She said, “We share the same attachment to the fundamental values of our civilization: peace, liberty and democracy.” Reflecting on Moldova’s 35 years of independence, she noted that the country has moved from “three poor states on the margins of Europe” to “three European states that sit at the same table and are respected in Europe and the world.”

Sandu also underscored Moldova’s reliance on its western neighbor, Romania, stating that “Romania has stood by us at every turning point, in the early difficult years, during energy crises and when others looked on from a distance.” She added that Romania “carried our cause in Europe when our voice was still weak” and that Moldova’s accession to the EU in 2007 demonstrated the feasibility of that path.

Regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Sandu said that Russia’s “brutal war against Ukraine is felt beyond its borders.” She reported that the airspace of both Moldova and Romania has been violated “dozens of times,” and that “Russian drones entered our airspace today, attempting to intimidate us.” She affirmed that Moldova will not be “intimidated” and called on “all free countries” to help Ukraine strengthen its anti‑aircraft defenses before winter.

The leaders also discussed practical aspects of deeper integration, such as:

* Facilitating border crossings without long queues;
* Improving road and rail connections for uninterrupted freight movement;
* Ensuring two‑way flows of gas and electricity;
* Joint management of the Prut and Dniester rivers;
* Coordinated development of Danube ports, including Giurgiuleşti, Galaţi, Reni and Ismail;
* Shared airspace monitoring.

President Sandu concluded by saying that the three countries aim to build a “region that is safer, more resilient and more European,” and that they will continue to work daily toward that goal.

The trilateral meeting was held on the occasion of Moldova’s 35th anniversary of independence, marking a symbolic moment for the three neighboring states to reaffirm their cooperation amid ongoing regional challenges.

Article and image source: dcnews.ro