The Ambassador of Ukraine to Italy, Ihor Brusylo, visited the CEI-Executive Secretariat in Trieste on 14 September 2026. He was welcomed by Secretary General Franco Dal Mas for talks focusing on Ukraine's role within the CEI, the Organisation's continued commitment to the country, and prospects for enhanced cooperation ahead of Ukraine's foreseen CEI Presidency next year. The meeting was also attended by Min. Nicola Verola, Italian MFA Director General for Europe and International Trade Policy; Min. Alfredo Maria Durante Mangoni, National Coordinator for Italy and Amb.Yurii Mushka, CEI Deputy Secretary General.
During the meeting, Dal Mas reaffirmed the CEI's support for Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full-scale aggression, highlighting the Organisation's efforts to translate political commitment into concrete action. He recalled the CEI's involvement in major international initiatives dedicated to Ukraine, as well as projects and activities supporting the country's recovery, resilience and reconstruction, including through the CEI Fund at the EBRD - financed by Italy - and the CEI Cooperation Fund financed by all Member States.
Ambassador Brusylo expressed appreciation for the strong and consistent support provided to Ukraine by the CEI at political, humanitarian and economic level, as well as for the concrete solidarity shown by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region.
In this context, the Ambassador highlighted the CEI's potential as a platform for strengthening practical cooperation among its Member States at regional and local level, sharing Ukraine's experience and developing joint initiatives in areas of common interest. He pointed in particular to cybersecurity and transport as fields where Ukraine could share valuable best practices with regional partners.
The meeting also offered an opportunity to look ahead, with both sides expressing their readiness to work together to further strengthen the CEI's role as a platform for regional cooperation, solidarity and concrete action.
For more info: arsova@cei.int
