And we have here almost 1,400 participants. More than 800 representatives of governments, regions and communities, and more than 500 business representatives from all C8 countries. My congratulations. And this is the first summit of this scale for our macro-region.

During the Carpathian Summit, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held separate bilateral meetings with President of Romania Nicușor Dan, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, and Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk.

We are convinced that the successful implementation of the Carpathian Integration Initiative will strengthen the stability and resilience of the countries in the region and become an important additional contribution to joint efforts to ensure lasting peace on the European continent.

The first plenary session of the Carpathian Summit was held in Huta, Ivano-Frankivsk region. Ukraine has launched the Carpathian Integration Initiative to deepen cooperation with the countries connected by the Carpathian Mountains.

We already cooperate extensively on our defense. As you know, we work together in energy and on export and import routes – this is very important. Logistics is one of our key priorities, especially during the war. We also work together on humanitarian issues, in supporting people and communities, and in our cooperation at the European Union level.

​The Carpathians are not only beautiful, they’re also an important part of the strength of our countries and of Europe. The mountains that do not divide, but unite regions through major Carpathians transport and logistics routes. We developed strong cross-border trade and energy links here, and they are critical for our countries.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.