A meeting of Southeast European countries took place in Ukraine. Here’s what was highlighted in the joint communiqué.

On Friday, January 17, the first ministerial meeting in the Ukraine-Southeast Europe format took place in Kyiv. Representatives from the foreign ministries of nine countries visited Ukraine.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine with a link to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

"This meeting is very important for the ministry as it develops the Ukraine-Southeast Europe format, embodies the agreements of our leaders, and deepens cooperation between our states for the sake of security, peace, and justice in Europe," stated the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sibiga.

During the meeting, diplomats discussed key issues regarding the enhancement of regional cooperation, support for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression, and the joint advancement towards European integration.

A joint communiqué was also signed, emphasizing the unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and its defense capabilities.

What’s in the communiqué

In the communiqué, representatives from the foreign ministries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, Croatia, and Montenegro confirmed their support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders.

Additionally:

• condemned Russia's illegal invasion, which threatens peace and stability in Europe;
• criticized the involvement of military personnel from third countries in the war against Ukraine;
• supported Ukraine's right to independently choose its paths to security and future;
• recognized the "Peace Formula" as a realistic mechanism for restoring peace and stability;
• called for increased international support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom and territorial integrity;
• demanded an end to any support for Russia in its war against Ukraine;
• emphasized the illegality of aggression against sovereign states and any attempts to annex Ukrainian territories;
• supported the activities of the Crimean Platform for the return of temporarily occupied territories;
• insisted on international accountability for war crimes committed by Russia;
• condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure, forced displacement, and violations of international humanitarian law;
• prioritized the release of all captives and affected individuals, especially children;
• supported efforts to restore Ukraine as a key food supplier;
• acknowledged the importance of ensuring the safe use of nuclear energy, particularly the return of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant under Ukraine's control;
• agreed to work on energy security and the restoration of Ukraine's energy sector;
• supported the progress of candidate countries towards EU membership;
• welcome support for Ukraine on its path to NATO membership;
• recognized the significance of the Black Sea region for Euro-Atlantic security;
• stated that a free and prosperous Ukraine is key to a stable Europe.

Previously, we reported that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon, arrived in Kyiv on Friday, January 17. She was invited by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sibiga.