Romania and Ukraine Sign Strategic Partnership, Plan Joint Drone Production

Bucharest, The Gulf Observer: Romania and Ukraine signed a strategic partnership declaration on Thursday during the official visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Bucharest, marking a new phase in bilateral relations and enhanced cooperation in security, defence and economic sectors.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan announced the agreement at a joint press conference held at Cotroceni Palace, describing the declaration as a milestone in strengthening ties between the two neighboring countries.

Dan noted that although Romania and Ukraine had experienced periods of mistrust in the past, relations significantly improved following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He said the new partnership reflects a shared commitment to security, stability and cooperation across the region.

“The two countries are committing to mutual trust in what they can achieve together, as well as to shared responsibility for this part of Europe, for its citizens and for the entire region,” the Romanian president said.

During the meeting in Bucharest, the two leaders discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine and Romania’s continued support for Kyiv, as well as expanding military cooperation. Among the documents signed was an agreement providing for the joint production of drones in Romania.

President Dan also reaffirmed Romania’s diplomatic support for Ukraine within the European Union and NATO, emphasizing the importance of coordinated international efforts to support Ukraine. Talks also covered cross-border connectivity projects, economic collaboration and potential energy partnerships.

The Romanian leader added that discussions addressed Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union and the protection of the Romanian minority living in Ukraine. According to Dan, Kyiv has provided assurances regarding the continued operation of Romanian-language schools and the protection of the community’s cultural and linguistic rights.

Dan also invited President Zelensky to attend the upcoming Bucharest Nine summit scheduled to take place in the Romanian capital in May.

For his part, President Zelensky expressed gratitude to Romania for its support since the start of the war, describing Russia as an aggressor that continues to invest heavily in destabilising other countries while launching missile and drone attacks against Ukraine.

He said the discussions with President Dan focused on expanding cooperation and strengthening regional security amid the current geopolitical environment.

“Today, the discussions focus first and foremost on how we can cooperate more, including in the economic field, for the security of our states,” Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian leader noted that the documents signed in Bucharest represent an important step toward deepening cooperation between the two countries, highlighting opportunities for joint projects in energy infrastructure and the exploitation of oil resources in the Black Sea.

He also pointed to cooperation in drone production and other defence initiatives, noting that Ukraine’s expertise in countering drone attacks has drawn interest from multiple countries.

“This partnership opens opportunities for both our nations, which have strong economic potential and shared security interests,” Zelensky added.

During his visit, Zelensky is also scheduled to meet Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and visit the F-16 pilot training center at the 86th Air Base Lieutenant Aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță.

This marks the Ukrainian president’s second visit to Romania, following his previous trip to the country in October 2023.