On September 19, a municipal round table took place in Odesa, focused on enhancing cooperation between Ukraine and Moldova. The event brought together local government representatives, experts, diplomats, and community leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities in grant activities.

Odesa's Mayor Gennady Trukhanov expressed gratitude to Moldova for its incredible support during the war and emphasized that Odesa is ready to share its experience and initiate joint projects with Moldovan cities.

«We are united not only by geography but by a common history, shared challenges, and values. We have long been more than just neighbors. Most importantly, we share a common goal: a European future,» stressed Gennady Trukhanov.

Special attention was given to community safety and population protection.

«Among the shared challenges is the threat from the Russian Federation, which affects the entire post-Soviet space. Without understanding the military component, no country can guarantee its stability,» supported the mayor of Odesa, the head of the Odesa District Council, and the leader of the NGO «Institute of Danube Studies», Vitaliy Barvinenko.

The forum repeatedly highlighted that security and European integration are not only foreign policy issues but also daily work at the local level, especially in times of crisis. Therefore, municipalities must be not just partners but allies—strengthening the resilience of both states, supporting each other in reforms, security, and community well-being.

The forum concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation between the municipalities of Ukraine and Moldova.