Ukraine, Romania, Moldova Strengthen Ties at Security Conference

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA (AFP) – Neighboring countries Romania, Ukraine and Moldova will discuss ways to strengthen security in the Black Sea region to counter the threat posed by Russian aggression after a meeting in the Romanian capital. 

The Black Sea Security Conference in Bucharest brought together the three foreign and defense ministers, government officials and international partners. Its purpose was to address the far-reaching effects of Moscow’s war in Ukraine on the region.

NATO member Romania’s Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu has called Russia the “most direct and serious threat” to the Black Sea region and Western allies, while Moldova, which is battling war-torn Ukraine, is “a future European country.”

“Instead of peace and stability, the Black Sea region has become a prime target for Russian aggression,” he said, adding that a strong NATO presence there was “essential.”

“It’s time to turn the Black Sea into what the Baltic Sea has become for NATO,” said Kuleba, referring to Finland’s recent entry into the NATO military alliance. He called for a “decisive step forward” toward NATO membership.

After signing the Trilateral Declaration on Thursday, Moldova’s Foreign Minister Nyk Popescu said Moldova remained the target of “a hybrid attempt to destabilize our country” and that the consequences of the Moscow war would be felt by non-NATO Moldova “for all citizens.” 

Moldova has faced a series of crises over the past year, including allegations of a Russian-backed destabilization program, and was granted European Union (EU) candidacy last June, the same day as Ukraine. 

In addition to security issues, 14 Black Sea security conferences 12-13 discussed topics such as free trade and facilitation of energy transport routes.

Officials also discussed the importance of countering Russia’s cyberwarfare efforts. Romania’s Aurescu said Moscow was “organizing (attacks) against the region, Europe and its allies.”