The Benelux countries have reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in the war with Russia, on the country’s path of European and Euro-Atlantic integration, and pledged to deepen cooperation in the fields of security, reconstruction, and humanitarian issues.
This is stated in a joint declaration following a meeting in Odesa of the Foreign Ministers of Ukraine, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Director General for European Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands in the Ukraine–Benelux format, Ukrinform reports.
The parties reaffirmed their steadfast support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity and strongly condemned Russia’s war of aggression. “We stress that Russia’s war of aggression must be ended immediately with the restoration of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace that ensures security and stability of Ukraine and Europe, based on the norms and principles of the international law,” the declaration states.
The Benelux countries pledged to provide humanitarian, military, financial, and political assistance to Ukraine for as long as it takes, as well as to support its long-term recovery and reconstruction. They expressed readiness to assist in creating a Special Tribunal to prosecute Russia for the crime of aggression and supported international mechanisms, including the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, for the return of Ukrainian children illegally taken by Russia.
Special attention was paid to the security of “grain routes” through the Black Sea, which are critical for global food security and Ukraine’s economy.
“The Benelux countries reaffirm their commitment to supporting Ukraine on its path towards EU membership. The Benelux countries also reaffirm that Ukraine’s future is in NATO,” the meeting participants stated.
The parties also agreed to deepen cooperation in the areas of security and defense, humanitarian demining, energy resilience, cybersecurity, trade, digital transformation, and reconstruction.
“We reaffirm our collective determination to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” emphasized the meeting participants.
The joint declaration was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha; Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Minister of Cooperation and Development, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel; Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of Belgium Maxime Prévot; and Director General for European Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Heleen Bakker.
As reported by Ukrinform, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, together with colleagues from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, announced the creation of a new Ukraine–Benelux format aimed at deepening partnership and confirming Ukraine’s historical and contemporary unity with the European community.
Source: Benelux countries support Ukraine in war, reconstruction, and on its path to EU and NATO
