Moldovan PM Brings Three Ministers to Kyiv for Gas and EU Talks

Vasile Tofan, the prime minister of Moldova, arrived in Kyiv on Monday, October 26, for a working visit focused on trade, security, and European Union integration. He is joined by three cabinet members: Vladimir Bolea, minister of infrastructure and regional development; Anatolie Nosatîi, defence minister; and Dorin Junghietu, energy minister.

The Moldovan government announced that Tofan will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, and Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada. These meetings are part of a bilateral agenda designed to strengthen relations between the two nations. Officials said the talks will cover economic cooperation and the specific steps both countries are taking toward joining the EU.

Energy policy is a central component of the visit. Tofan and Koretskyi will both participate in the Kyiv International Economic Forum, an event dedicated to investment and economic partnership. This aligns with earlier discussions held on October 14, when Tofan met Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal. During that meeting, they reviewed winter preparations and challenges in the energy sector.

Two days before the meeting with Shmyhal, Tofan stated that Moldova is considering purchasing natural gas from Ukraine. He indicated that he intended to discuss this specific option during his current trip to the Ukrainian capital. The government identified gas purchases as a key item for the bilateral discussions scheduled for this week.

Regional security also remains on the agenda for the talks between the prime ministers. The Moldovan government outlined these subjects in a statement released ahead of the visit. European Pravda reported on the trip, citing the Moldovan media outlet Newsmaker for the official government schedule.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu recently addressed the potential humanitarian impact of the current conflict. She stated that Moldova is prepared to receive another influx of refugees from Ukraine if the severe situation prompts people to leave. Her remarks underscore the bilateral link between security concerns and domestic planning in Chisinau.

The visit concludes the current phase of high-level engagement between the two governments. The economic forum and bilateral meetings provide a platform for finalizing agreements on trade and energy before the winter season begins.