Ukraine plans to launch a new international format this autumn — the Carpathian Initiative, which will unite the states of the region around issues of security, economy, logistics, recovery and tourism. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this on August 3 during a conversation with Ukrainian ambassadors, reports UNN.
According to the Head of State, the idea to create a new format arose because not all countries are ready to provide military aid to Ukraine, but seek to join humanitarian, security and economic cooperation.
"We have started the track of the Carpathian Initiative. This is a new initiative. Why did such an idea arise? Because not all countries are ready to strengthen us with weapons, but want to be together in the humanitarian track, in security, in the economy. They are thinking about the recovery of Ukraine,"
The President emphasized that the readiness of neighboring states to participate in the future recovery of Ukraine testifies to their faith in the peaceful future of the country.
"When neighboring countries think about recovery, it is also faith in Ukraine that everything will be peaceful. And we will have peace. This is also an important signal,"
Zelenskyy explained that the Carpathian Initiative should unite countries connected not only geographically and politically, but also by common economic and security interests.
"These are countries that are connected not only geopolitically, not only as neighbors. These are countries that have an economic and security interest, which are connected by the beautiful Carpathians. This is about logistics, economy and security,"
According to him, within the framework of the future format, they also plan to develop cultural cooperation and tourism.
Zelenskyy also reported that he has already presented the idea to the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission, who received it positively.
"I told this idea to the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission. They really liked it,"
He added that in the future, separate funding programs in the areas of economy, tourism and security will be needed for the Carpathian region. According to him, Ukraine, Romania, Austria, Serbia, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia may join the initiative.
"This initiative is something around which we can all unite. We need this,"
Note that the first event within the Carpathian Initiative is planned to be organized in the autumn. Currently, the parties are coordinating possible dates.
Recall
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting of diplomats on July 3 emphasized the need to strengthen international support through the media. He also called on diplomats to better know the languages and culture of the host countries.