Romania, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine will continue their cooperation in infrastructure, energy and security, including efforts to prevent drone attacks, President Nicusor Dan said on Thursday following a trilateral meeting in Chisinau with Maia Sandu and Volodymyr Zelensky.

'On the trilateral level, I am pleased that our countries are cooperating, and this meeting is proof that each of us has the maturity to understand the responsibility we have for the security and stability of this region,' the Romanian head of state said.

He said the discussions focused, among other things, on joint infrastructure and energy projects.

'We discussed infrastructure projects and joint energy projects, as well as interconnections. As you know, under the SAFE programme, Romania will build a motorway to the border and several kilometres into the Republic of Moldova, as well as a motorway to the northern border with Ukraine. This will greatly improve connectivity between our countries,' Nicusor Dan added.

According to him, Romania and the Republic of Moldova can also cooperate on preventing drone attacks.

'We discussed the threats facing our countries, Romania and the Republic of Moldova. The drones that Ms. President [Maia Sandu] referred to, and we can cooperate to prevent this type of aggression,' he said.

The Romanian President once again condemned the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and reaffirmed Romania's continued support for Ukraine 'in this unjust battle.'

Referring to Romania's bilateral relationship with Ukraine, Nicusor Dan announced that a meeting of the Joint Committee on Minorities of the two countries would take place on Friday.

'As you know, Romania and Ukraine have signed a strategic partnership, and I am pleased that things are moving forward between us. For example, tomorrow, after many years, a meeting of the two countries' Joint Committee on Minorities will take place, where we will discuss important issues, the most important being education in the mother tongue in the two countries,' the president said.

Regarding the Republic of Moldova, he highlighted the special relationship between the two states, which share a common culture, traditions and language, as well as Romania's support for its neighbour's European path, adding that the Republic of Moldova is 'an example for all European countries currently seeking to join the EU.'

The trilateral meeting took place after Presidents Nicusor Dan and Maia Sandu attended the military parade held in Chisinau's Great National Assembly Square to mark the Republic of Moldova's Independence Day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not present at the event.

The Republic of Moldova marked 35 years since the proclamation of independence on Thursday, with this year's celebrations held under the theme 'Independence Unites Us.' AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Ionut Mares; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)