Romanian Foreign Minister Conducts Bulgarian-Level Discussions in Kiev, Attending Sessions with President Zelensky
In a significant move, Romania's Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu visited Ukraine on August 7, 2025, marking the first bilateral trip by a Romanian foreign minister to Kyiv since the Russian invasion in 2022.
During her visit, Minister Țoiu held high-level discussions with Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The talks focused on strengthening a strategic partnership and reconstruction plans.
Key details of the strategic partnership and reconstruction plans discussed include:
- Military cooperation and training: Expansion of training programs for Ukrainian military personnel in Romania, including pilots for F-16 fighter jets and marines, aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
- Political and military support: Romania reaffirmed its unwavering friendship and support for Ukraine, thanking for cooperation on Ukraine’s EU and NATO accession aspirations and for strengthening Ukrainian air defense.
- Regional security: Discussions addressed the security situation amid intensified Russian attacks near the Romanian border, highlighting Romania's parliament authorizing its military to shoot down Russian targets that breach Romanian airspace.
- Reconstruction and infrastructure: Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation on joint infrastructure and energy projects, improving connectivity in the region, including partnerships with other Southeast European countries to foster economic ties and regional integration.
- Diplomatic efforts: They deliberated on continuing and intensifying diplomatic efforts to bring a peaceful resolution to the war.
Minister Țoiu also visited the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv, damaged by Russian missile strikes, underscoring Romania’s solidarity and commitment to Ukraine's recovery and children's welfare.
President Zelenskyy invited Romanian President Nicușor Dan to visit Ukraine to further reinforce bilateral cooperation. This comprehensive engagement underscores Romania's role as a key regional partner in Ukraine's defense, reconstruction, and European integration efforts.
During her visit, Minister Țoiu also discussed the situation in the Republic of Moldova, with emphasis on maintaining its European trajectory for regional stability. The progress on major infrastructure works such as the bridge over the Tisza River was reviewed.
Minister Țoiu and Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha reaffirmed Romania's support for Ukraine's independence and sovereignty. The importance of fully respecting the rights of national minorities, particularly in education, was stressed. Both sides agreed on continuing joint government meetings to deepen cooperation.
Minister Țoiu commended the progress made towards EU membership and highlighted the importance of cross-border infrastructure investments in Ukraine's reconstruction and in boosting regional resilience. She also reiterated Romania's deep appreciation for Ukraine's efforts to achieve peace.
In a show of solidarity, Minister Țoiu praised the heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression. She also reiterated Romania's readiness to take an active role in reconstruction and cross-border projects benefiting both states.
The visit concluded with Minister Țoiu meeting with Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada, as part of the official program in Kyiv. Minister Țoiu was also invited to participate in Ukraine's reconstruction.
This visit signifies a significant step in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Romania and Ukraine, and reaffirms Romania's commitment to supporting Ukraine in its quest for peace, stability, and European integration.
- Discussions between Minister Ṭoiu and Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy, focused on strengthening a strategic partnership and reconstruction plans, which included political and military support, military cooperation and training, and diplomatic efforts to bring a peaceful resolution to the war-and-conflicts, as well as economic ties and regional integration through joint infrastructure and energy projects.
- Minister Ṭoiu's visit underscored Romania's role as a key regional partner in Ukraine's defense, reconstruction, and European integration efforts, and she reiterated Romania's readiness to take an active role in reconstruction and cross-border projects, as well as showing support for Ukraine's independence and sovereignty and its children's welfare.
