Balkan leaders reiterate support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, European integration

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – The leaders of Balkan countries reiterated their support on Monday for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Convening in the Greek capital Athens, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, the President of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Kristo, Romanian Prime Minister Ion-Marcel Ciolacu, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the European Council President Charles Michel issued a joint statement.

“In the face of Russian aggression, we express our unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, based on the values of democracy and rule of law,” it said.

The statement also said the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova have a common European heritage, history and future defined by shared opportunities and challenges.

“As a strategic investment in peace, security and stability in Europe, it is important for these regions to be embraced as full-fledged members of the European family,” it said.