During his official visit to Romania, Secretary General Franco Dal Mas participated in the conference “Rebuilding Ukraine: Security, Opportunities, Investment”, organised by the New Strategy Centre and held at the National Military Circle in Bucharest on 11-12 December 2025.
The high-level event brought together policymakers, diplomats, security experts and international stakeholders to exchange views on prospects for peace and the reconstruction of Ukraine against the backdrop of an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
Speaking during the panel on Peace Negotiations and External Actors. A Deal or Sustainable Peace?, featuring key addresses by Foreign Ministers of Romania and Ukraine respectively, Oana Țoiu and Andrii Sybiha, Secretary General Dal Mas recalled the CEI’s founding mission to overcome divisions in Europe through mutual dialogue, underlining the Organisation’s long-standing commitment to fostering stability in the region despite recurrent challenges.
Supporting regional cooperation and advancing the European integration of Moldova, Ukraine and the Western Balkans is not a symbolic act. This is a key step towards unity among European nations and the shaping of a common identity. This is why we speak not of enlargement, but of reunification, Dal Mas stated.
In his intervention, the Secretary General also emphasised Romania’s pivotal role as a regional partner, particularly with regard to its tangible approach to promoting European integration, strengthening resilience, ensuring security and countering disinformation. As a direct neighbour, it will also play an important role in support of Ukraine.
Referring to his recent visit to Kyiv, Dal Mas emphasised the importance of continued support for Ukraine in its recovery; and recalled the fate of the 20,000 Ukrainian children, which was voiced at the recent CEI Ministerial Meeting in Belgrade under the Serbian Presidency.
The Initiative’s active engagement in high-level international fora underlines its role as a supporter of Ukraine, through solidarity, sustained political dialogue, practical cooperation and targeted instruments.
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