Ukrainian Delegation Conducts Official Visit to Gagauzia
On May 12, 2025, the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauz-Yeri hosted an official working visit by the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Paun Rohovei. The delegation also included Mr. Yurii Dimchoglo, President of the Association of Gagauzians of Ukraine. The visit featured a series of high-level meetings with local authorities and the Ukrainian community in the region. These meetings aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and fostering people-to-people ties.
Dialogue with Gagauzia’s Local Authorities
During the visit to Comrat, the Ukrainian delegation held productive discussions with Mr. Serghei Anastasov, Mayor of Comrat. They also met with Mr. Anatolii Topal, Mayor of Ceadîr-Lunga; Mr. Serghei Cernev, Head of the State Chancellery Office in Comrat; and Mr. Oleksandr Tarnavskii, Member of the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. The talks focused on advancing European integration and expanding interregional cooperation. Additionally, they worked on strengthening connections between the Gagauz communities of Moldova and Ukraine.
Promoting Cultural Exchange and Mutual Solidarity
A key priority of the meetings was the promotion of cultural exchange and mutual support regarding the European aspirations of both nations. The parties jointly reaffirmed their unequivocal condemnation of the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine. Furthermore, they expressed steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Recognition of Support Provided to Ukrainian Displaced Persons
Ambassador Rohovei expressed profound gratitude to the communities of Comrat and Ceadîr-Lunga for their solidarity and assistance to Ukrainian citizens. These individuals sought refuge in Moldova due to the ongoing war. The Ambassador commended local efforts to provide displaced Ukrainians with housing, access to education, and social services.
Engagement with the Ukrainian Community and Consular Services
The visit also included a meeting with Mr. Veaceslav Dragnev, Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Gagauzia. The Ukrainian delegation reviewed the operations of the mobile consular services provided in Comrat.
A particularly meaningful aspect of the visit was the engagement with the local Ukrainian community. In the village of Feropontivka, the delegation visited a kindergarten and a school. They donated Ukrainian-language books to the local library and presented national costumes to a children’s ensemble. In Congaz, the delegation visited the ethnographic museum, while in Avdarma, they explored the Gagauz History Museum. This museum preserves the heritage and memory of the Gagauz people’s complex historical journey.
Moldova Reaffirms Commitment to Open Dialogue and European Integration
The Republic of Moldova reaffirms its commitment to fostering open and inclusive dialogue, as well as mutual respect. They share a European path with Ukraine. Visits of this kind play a vital role in strengthening trust and promoting intercultural understanding. Moreover, they contribute to building lasting solidarity between the Moldovan and Ukrainian peoples.
