A joint statement on the strengthening of trilateral cooperation between the Republic of Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, concerning the European integration and the commitment to work together for a peaceful, democratic and prosperous European future was signed by the three Heads of State in Batumi, Georgia. The statement says, among others, that the entry into the European Union is an objective that unites the three states, IPN reports.
According to the statement, the European integration does not have alternatives for the three states and no third country can influence this sovereign choice. “We already made considerable progress in our relations with the European Union. Supported by the strong wish of our people to become part of the European family, we are united in our decision to work to obtain the recognition of the European perspective for Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, opening the way for the future accession of the three states to the EU,” runs the statement.
The signatories reaffirm their commitment to continue to make progress in the process of coming closer to the European Union by comprehensive reforms so as to strengthen the democratic institutions and to progressively adjust the legislation from the relevant sectors to the key elements of the EU’s acquis. The states agreed to continue work with the EU institutions so as to realize all the opportunities and potential offered by the provisions of the Association Agreement on Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas that envision the gradual integration into the EU market. By this statement, the three countries reiterate their support for the Eastern Partnership and say that they will work to make sure that the Eastern Partnership develops a strategic agenda aimed at the future and remains a solid and efficient policy that reflects the needs, ambitions and aspirations of each partner.
The three states noted that Russia’s attempts to annex and illegally occupy the territories of Georgia, the aggression in Eastern Ukraine and the temporary occupation of Crimea and the unsettled conflict in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova are a serious threat to the region and to Europe in general. They are ready to explore, together with the EU, the methods for peacefully resolving the disputes and for ensuring peace, stability and security in the long run, including through the EU’s increased role and commitment.
According to President Maia Sandu, the Batumi Summit’s statement emphasizes countries’ commitments in the areas in which they want to achieve more and reaffirm the wish to join the European Union according to a merit-based approach. “Sharing the same respect values for the rule of law, democracy and human rights and being committed to make effort to strengthen our democracies, we believe we have potential to contribute to the transformation of the EU into a more powerful union – a union that creates, a union that innovates and a union that supports everyone,” stated Maia Sandu.
