Ukraine, Moldova discuss regional security, cross-border infrastructure and energy projects

This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

The interlocutors discussed in detail the state of implementation of the agreements reached during the visit of Moldovan President Maia Sandu to Kyiv in January 2021.

The parties exchanged views on the upcoming political contacts at the highest and high levels. In this regard, Bodnar informed his colleague on the preparations for the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform, as well as the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine's independence on August 23-24, 2021.

Priority attention was paid to the implementation of cross-border infrastructure projects, primarily the construction of the bridge across Dniester River near Yampil-Koseuts settlements. The parties positively noted the progress in this matter.

Vasyl Bodnar and Dumitru Sokolan stressed the importance of resuming talks between respective authorities on the range of issues related to the functioning of the Dniester hydro power plant, as well as accomplishing of Ukrainian-Moldovan border demarcation.

The parties synchronized their positions on expanding the legal framework of bilateral cooperation in different areas.

Discussion of the regional security issues, including threats represented by the presence of the Russian military units in the Transnistrian region of Moldova, was in the focus of the consultations.

The deputy minister stressed that Ukraine is determined to continue supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders, as well as to be an active participant in the Transnistrian settlement negotiation process. "We consider the withdrawal of the Russian troops from the Transnistrian region of Moldova as a matter of national and regional security," Bodnar said.

The sides discussed the steps to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation, outlined a series of joint projects in the energy sector.

Within the context of the humanitarian cooperation, Bodnar asked the Moldovan side to speed up the ratification of the bilateral agreement on cooperation in ensuring the rights of persons belonging to national minorities (signed on December 17, 2009, ratified by Ukraine on October 5, 2010).

The parties also discussed the ways to deepen cooperation with the EU in the context of the two countries' European integration course.

The diplomats exchanged their views on the efforts of both governments to counter the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic.