Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova Establish Associated Trio

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia David Zalkaliani and Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova Aureliu Ciocoi made a joint visit to Ukraine at the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba.

The foreign ministers of Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova established the Associated Trio, a trilateral format for enhanced cooperation on European integration, by signing a corresponding memorandum. The document emphasises the European aspirations of the three EU associate partners and their ambitions to become members of the European Union.

“The Associated Trio reflects the clear position of our three European countries: Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova are an integral part of united Europe and seek to join the European Union,” said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba.

The newly created format provides for enhanced coordination of foreign ministries in the field of European integration.

The document also underlines the desire of Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova to expand the possibilities of association agreements, promote sectoral rapprochement with the EU, and gradually integrate into the internal market of the European Union.

The Associated Trio will pay special attention to the strategic future of the EU’s Eastern Partnership initiative, including preparations for its summit this autumn.

“Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova are convinced that the Eastern Partnership needs strategic renewal. It is necessary to define ambitious goals that take due account of the European aspirations of the Eastern Partners and their potential to have deeper relations with the EU,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stressed.

Natalia Tolub