Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia David Zalkaliani and Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova Aureliu Ciocoi paid a joint visit to Ukraine at the invitation of Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

The Foreign Ministers of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova have established the Association Trio, a tripartite format for enhanced cooperation on European integration, by signing a Memorandum. The document emphasizes the European aspirations of the three EU associate partners and their ambitions to become members of the European Union.

"The Associated Trio reflects the clear position of our three European countries: Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova are an integral part of a united Europe and seek to join the European Union," the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stressed.

The newly created format provides for enhanced coordination of foreign ministries in the field of European integration.

The document also contains that the Participants express the aspirations of the “Association Trio” countries towards the membership of the European Union and reaffirm their commitments to further progress in the implementation of the Association Agreements with the EU, as well as gradual integration to the internal market of the European Union.

"The Associated Trio emphasizes the special role and status that the three associate partners have in relations with the EU," said Dmytro Kuleba.

The Associated Trio will pay special attention to the strategic future of the EU's Eastern Partnership initiative, including preparations for its summit this autumn.

"Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova are convinced that the Eastern Partnership needs strategic renewal. It is necessary to define ambitious goals that take due account of the European aspirations of the Eastern Partners and their potential to have deeper relations with the EU," the Ukrainian Foreign Minister emphasized.

The heads of Ukrainian, Georgian and Moldovan diplomacy agreed to coordinate positions on topical issues on the EU agenda.

Dmytro Kuleba, David Zalkaliani and Aurelio Ciocoi also discussed strengthening regional security, which needs increased attention in the framework of the Eastern Partnership.

The text of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova on Establishing of Enhanced Cooperation on European Integration - the Associated Trio.