Maramures represents a solid bridge between Romania and Ukraine, and the villages and communes in the county are home to over 30,000 ethnic Ukrainians, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk stated in a video message.

The official thanked the Romanian authorities for organizing events on the occasion of Maramures Day, celebrated on August 15.

Ruslan Stefanchuk stated that Maramures is an authentic region with an ancient history, where the cultures of different peoples come together, along with their traditions, rituals and customs. He said that this celebration allows for the preservation of cultural identity, the continuation of traditions and the ethnographic richness of the region's inhabitants. According to him, Maramures represents a unique bridge between Romania and Ukraine, being a neighboring region that hosts the largest community of the Ukrainian national minority in Romania, with over 30,000 Ukrainians living in the county. On that occasion, he expressed his sincere wishes for peace, prosperity and well-being to Maramures, to all of Romania, and to all of Ukraine's foreign partners.

He pointed out that the meeting with local authorities was a continuation of the initial constructive cooperation format between Ukraine, Romania and the Republic of Moldova.

Ruslan Stefanchuk brought to mind that a meeting at the level of foreign affairs ministers took place on August 8, when this format was proclaimed the 'Odessa Triangle.' He emphasized that the parliamentary dimension of this triangle must be strengthened, highlighting that this is particularly important in the context of the negotiation process between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova regarding EU accession. He noted that these are new challenges, new opportunities and the foundation for full integration into the unique European family. Therefore, he expressed confidence in Romania's support and assistance on this path.

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine underscored the role and importance of supporting his country, which is under attack by the Russian Federation's army.

He stated that, as rightly emphasized by Ukraine's international partners, the freedom and security of Ukraine are identical to the freedom and security of Europe, therefore, by defending itself, Ukraine is also protecting European countries from the barbaric aggression of the Russian Federation. He stressed that it is extremely important for Ukraine to feel the reliable support of its partners, mentioning that Ukraine's message to its international partners is simple and unchanged: supporting Ukraine is the best investment in the security of every country, every European region and Europe as a whole. Instead of a policy of 'appeasing the aggressor,' there should be effective measures from the civilized world aimed at establishing a just and lasting peace, based on the principles of the UN Charter and holding the aggressor state accountable. He underlined how important it is for Ukraine's friends to understand this and expressed gratitude for their continued assistance: political, practical, financial and humanitarian.

The county of Maramures developed ever since 1990 cultural relations with Ukraine, with an emphasis on the Romanian ethnics who are living on the territory of this state, with books, trips for children and educational camps being provided.

Moreover, in 2000, the first road bridge over the Tisza River between Romania and Ukraine was built and the construction of the second road bridge started in 2024.

Maramures is connected to Ukraine by a broad-gauge railway, with entry into the country through the localities of Campul Lung la Tisza and Valea Viseului.

The access to and from Ukraine is possible through the Sighetul Marmatiei and Halmeu Border Crossing Point (Satu Mare county), and in the Ukrainian locality of Solotvyno operates Romania's Consulate.AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Leontin Cupar; EN - writing by: Rodica State)