Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maria Gabriel at the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Kiev: Solidarity and unity of the European family are not a given, but are defended in difficult moments
02 October 2023 News
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel took part in the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers held in Kiev.
This is the first meeting in the format of foreign ministers of all 27 member states to be held outside the EU. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borel described it as "historic" and an expression of "solidarity" with Ukraine. "Ukraine's future is in the EU", he added.
"Today, in Kiev, with EU foreign ministers, we express our continued support for Ukraine. I thank the hosts - President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borel for the initiative to hold the meeting in Ukraine," Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maria Gabriel said.
"Solidarity and unity of the European family are not a given, but are defended in difficult moments. By supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, Bulgaria supports the principles and values of democracy, freedom and respect," Maria Gabriel further said.
In her speech at the forum, she emphasized the military assistance to Ukraine in line with the decisions of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria, Bulgaria's participation in the EU's assistance mission to Ukraine EUMAM, the G7 joint declaration in support of Ukraine and Bulgaria's signature of it. Gabriel also stressed the strategic importance of the Black Sea and maintaining security and stability in the region.
Prior to the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister participated in the wreath-laying ceremony at the "Wall in memory of those who died for Ukraine".
More photos
