On August 18, 2023, Prime Minister Ciolacu hosted Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Bucharest. The two leaders spoke extensively about the continued conflict, border issues, the distribution of grain, and joint efforts to strengthen port infrastructure capabilities to generate additional economic growth for the two countries.

They also discussed further measures to increase Black Sea security, ensuring the safe passage of commercial ships to transport commerce, and their vision for the region.

With the help of the E.U., Romania has been investing in ports, bridges, and railways to build a shared future for Romania, Ukraine, its Black Sea neighbors, and all of Europe. Ciolacu stated that he hopes Romania will serve on the frontlines of peace and reconstruction. Romania will also be hosting the Three Seas Initiative Summit and Business Forum in Bucharest September 6-7, 2023, to further advance cooperation in the Black Sea and wider region.

Romania is also thankful for the work the U.S. Congress has done to promote Black Sea Security through the Black Sea Security Act. This bill has been included in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act. Over the past year, PSD officials have underscored the importance of this legislation for the U.S., Romania, and the region to member of Congress and will continue to do so.