(ANSA) - BUCAREST, NOV 6 - Ukraine will assume the presidency of the Central European Initiative (CEI) in 2027, taking over from Romania. The handover took place today in Bucharest at the conclusion of the Meeting of Foreign Ministers, attended by ministers and delegations from 16 CEE member countries. The meeting also gave the green light to the resumption of the Heads of Government Summit after a hiatus of several years. In the joint statement, the ministers also expressed support for the prospect of delegated cooperation with the European Commission, under which the Commission could entrust the InCE with the implementation of EU-funded programs, such as those aimed at improving cross-border connections and supporting candidate countries on their path to accession. This opportunity was highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, at the Senate conference on the InCE. The meeting, dedicated to the theme of the Romanian presidency, "Closer in the Region, Stronger in Europe," led to the adoption of the 2027-2030 Action Plan, which will guide the Organization's activities over the next four years. On the eve of the meeting, InCE Secretary General Franco Dal Mas met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Sybiha outlined the situation in Ukraine, the intensification of Russian attacks, and efforts toward peace; he thanked the InCE for its humanitarian assistance and invited Dal Mas to visit Ukraine. Dal Mas emphasized the importance of strengthening the Organization's relations with the EU and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). "Ukraine is ready to give new momentum to the Central European Initiative," Sybiha said after the bilateral meeting. Among the priorities identified for 2027 are common security, Ukraine's reconstruction, and its path toward EU membership. The minister proposed involving parliaments and local authorities more closely and developing a youth-focused component of the CEI. Sybiha expressed his intention to host the Summit of Heads of Government in Ukraine in 2027. (ANSA).