Europe Asia News

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that his country would take over the presidency of the Central European Initiative (CEI) in 2027.

In a statement shared on social media, Sybiha said he attended the official handover ceremony in Bucharest, held with the participation of Romanian Foreign Minister Dan Neculaescu and CEI Secretary General Franco Dal Mas. Thanking Romania and CEI member states for their support, Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine had come to Bucharest not to seek compassion, but to pursue cooperation and partnership.

Sybiha noted that Ukraine had learned important lessons from the war and possessed unique combat experience and modern technologies. He stated that Ukraine was ready to share this knowledge and experience with Romania and other CEI members to contribute to strengthening regional security.

Highlighting the importance of the CEI's principled position on peace, Sybiha said this approach could accelerate the achievement of a full ceasefire or partial de-escalation, the return of Ukrainian children and the full-capacity use of the Solidarity Lanes. He also stressed the importance of freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and expressed his expectation of support from all CEI members on this issue.

Sybiha stated that Ukraine and Romania share centuries of common history and face common threats, emphasizing the importance of the two countries acting as good neighbors and partners.

Noting that the coming years would be marked by the European Union's enlargement process, Sybiha said Ukraine would work to facilitate this process during its presidency. He stated that the full membership of Ukraine, Moldova and their partners in the Western Balkans in the EU would strengthen the Union.

Sybiha announced that the presidency's agenda would include regional connectivity, energy security, infrastructure, trade, reconstruction, cybersecurity and combating disinformation. He also said Ukraine would propose strengthening the CEI's links with the new Carpathian Initiative and other regional cooperation platforms, as well as enhancing the initiative's youth dimension.

Sybiha stated that Belarus could one day become a free and democratic country and take its place within the CEI. He said he would propose inviting Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Belarusian democratic forces as special guests.

Sybiha thanked Romania for hosting and organizing the meeting, expressing his expectation of close cooperation within the CEI next year.