Romania, Ukraine agree to elevate relations to strategic partnership

By Ahmet Gencturk and Burc Eruygur

ATHENS / ISTANBUL (AA) - Romania and Ukraine agreed Tuesday to elevate relations to the strategic partnership level.

“We are currently focused on helping Ukraine win the war, but as neighbors and partners, we have a duty and responsibility to design our relationship for the long term,” Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said in a statement with visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“I assured President Zelenskyy today of the determination of Romania and the Romanian nation to continue multidimensional and consistent support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, including the military one, for as long as it takes until victory against Russian aggression, until the liberation of the entire territory, accountability of all those guilty of the crimes committed and, further, in the process of rebuilding and rebuilding the country,” he said.

He said Russia remains the main security threat to the EU and in the Black Sea region.

“Supporting Ukraine is a strategic interest of Romania. Strengthening Ukraine's security means strengthening Romania's security,” he said.

Moreover, he noted that Romania is taking measures to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank as well as security in the Black Sea.

Zelenskyy said his country is grateful for Romania's support and underlined that Bucharest has provided defense, political, humanitarian and economic support, according to a statement by the Ukrainian presidency.

The statement said Zelenskyy announced his and Iohannis' decision on the creation of a training center for Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 fighter jet.

"We discussed with Mr. President (Iohannis) how to speed up such training and agreed that Ukrainian pilots will be included in the first wave of training," said Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine's contacts to strengthen the country's air defense systems, underlining it is a key factor in protecting global food security.

"The 'grain corridor' from Ukraine through Moldova to Romania will soon be operational, and this is an example of how much we can do together, which will be of great importance not only for us, but also for Europe and the world in general," he added.​​​​​​​