Romanian foreign minister exhibits solidarity with Ukraine by paying a visit to Kyiv
In a poignant display of solidarity, Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu embarked on an official visit to Ukraine on August 7, 2022, marking the first bilateral trip by a Romanian foreign minister to Kyiv since the Russian invasion in 2022.
The visit began with a stop at the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv, a reminder of the innocent children, some undergoing treatment for serious diagnoses, whose strength and resilience mirrored that of the Ukrainian people. Minister Țoiu expressed deep admiration for the children and described the emotional impact of meeting them.
During her visit, Minister Țoiu held high-level talks with Ukrainian officials on key issues of mutual interest. Discussions centred around security and military cooperation, with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky informing Țoiu about the security situation, including a recent strike in the Odessa region. Romania's decision to authorize shooting down Russian targets entering its airspace was welcomed. There were also talks on expanding training programs for Ukrainian military personnel in Romania, including for F-16 pilots and marines.
Both sides focused on continuing and strengthening diplomatic cooperation and joint work with international partners to end the conflict. Romania reaffirmed consistent support for Ukraine’s accession to the EU and NATO, aligning with the strategic interest in regional security. They also discussed improving connectivity in Southeast Europe through joint infrastructure and energy initiatives to bring countries and businesses closer together.
Minister Țoiu emphasized Romania’s unwavering friendship and conveyed a message of solidarity against Russian aggression, highlighting the national interest in stopping the war. She visited the "School of Superheroes," an educational initiative within the National Cancer Institute, which is supported by the foundation of First Lady Olena Zelenska in cooperation with international partners. The school allows children undergoing long-term treatment to continue their studies.
The visit to the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital, which was deliberately targeted in a Russian missile strike one year ago, underscored the humanitarian impact of the conflict. The hospital was widely condemned as a war crime. Țoiu stated that the visit reminded her of what Ukrainians are fighting for: their children's well-being, their freedom, and their future.
Minister Țoiu's agenda also included a visit to Chernivtsi to meet with members of the Romanian community in the region. The visit signals Romania's strong and ongoing solidarity with Ukraine. As a mother, she couldn't express the emotions these attacks stirred in her. Romania will continue to stand firmly with Ukraine in its legitimate fight.
- The discussion between Minister Țoiu and Ukrainian officials encompassed not only security and military cooperation, but also politics, as Romania's consistent support for Ukraine’s accession to the EU and NATO was reaffirmed, aligning with the strategic interest in regional security.
- Amidst war-and-conflicts, Minister Țoiu's visit to the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, a survivor of a Russian missile strike, emphasized Romania’s unwavering friendship and solidarity towards Ukraine, particularly in preserving the welfare of innocent children, a symbol of both the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing war.
