Moldova's PM brings ministers to Kyiv to lock in gas supply and EU plan
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan arrived with his infrastructure, defense, and energy chiefs to meet Ukrainian leaders and address winter energy needs.
By Layla Petrov ·
Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan brought three cabinet ministers to Kyiv on Monday, October 26, for a high-level working visit. The delegation includes Vladimir Bolea, the minister of infrastructure and regional development, Anatolie Nosatîi, the defense minister, and Dorin Junghietu, the energy minister. Their presence signals the technical depth of the agenda, which spans regional security and economic integration.
The prime ministers are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on strengthening relations and expanding trade. They will also discuss the specific pathways for Moldova and Ukraine to join the European Union. Tofan will meet with Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada. These meetings form the core of the government-announced program.
Energy security remains a central focus of the trip. Tofan stated on October 12 that Moldova is considering purchasing natural gas from Ukraine to meet domestic demands. He confirmed he intended to finalize these discussions during this visit. Earlier in the month, on October 14, Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal met with Tofan to address common sector challenges and winter preparations. The current trip builds on that momentum to address supply logistics.
Tofan and Koretskyi will both attend the Kyiv International Economic Forum. The event focuses on investment opportunities and the development of cross-border economic cooperation. Topics raised in the bilateral talks, including trade barriers and infrastructure projects, are also key themes of the forum. The simultaneous participation underscores the government's push to link political dialogue with immediate economic action.
The visit comes as Moldova prepares for potential demographic shifts. Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated her country is ready to accept a new influx of refugees from Ukraine. She noted that this readiness applies if the severe humanitarian situation there drives more people to leave. The statement positions Moldova as a key regional partner in managing the ongoing crisis.
