Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova sign memorandum on forming Associated Trio
By Khatia Bzhalava
Tuesday, May 18
Foreign Ministers of Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova, David Zalkaliani, Dmytro Kuleba and Aureliu Ciocoi, signed a memorandum on establishing Associated Trio in Kyiv on May 17. The aim of establishing a cooperation format is to enhance European integration.
According to the memorandum, all three countries recognize that their absolute goal is EU membership, based on Article 49 of the EU Treaty. Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova will fulfill their responsibilities under the Association Agreement to achieve the ultimate goal of European integration.
According to the statement published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the Associated Trio will cooperate on issues of common interest, including the implementation of the Association Agreements and the further development of the Eastern Partnership. The three countries will work together to move closer to the EU, strengthen political dialogue and economic and sectoral integration.
The Associated Trio aims to promote and accelerate full integration into the EU single market. The statement reads that at the same time, the three countries jointly continue to further develop the dialogue between the European Commission and the Associated Trio in priority fields such as transport, energy, digital transformation, green economy, strategic communications, etc. In addition, Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova will boost cooperation with the EU on security and defense issues.
The memorandum emphasizes the importance of the EU’s strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its associated partners within its internationally recognized borders. The document also says that Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova will move forward to ensure the EU’s greater involvement in the peaceful settlement of conflicts.
The memorandum was signed within the framework of Georgian FM’s official visit to Kyiv. During the visit, the parties discussed the Georgian-Ukrainian strategic partnership, various areas of cooperation, and prospects for further deepening of relations. Yesterday, Zalkaliani met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Shmyhal reaffirmed the Ukraine-Georgia strategic partnership and emphasized the joint efforts of the two countries to achieve common goals, European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Georgian FM expressed concern over the developments on the borders of Ukraine and the temporarily occupied Crimea and reaffirmed Georgia’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. As Ukrainian PM announced at the meeting, he will pay a visit to Georgia.
Zalkaliani’s official visit to Ukraine ended yesterday.
