Moldova's PM arrives in Kyiv to finalize gas and trade terms

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan arrived in Kyiv on Monday, October 26, accompanied by three members of his cabinet. The delegation includes Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Defence Anatolie Nosatîi, and Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu. Their presence signals a focus on both energy infrastructure and military coordination during the visit.

The group will meet with Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada. According to a statement from the Moldovan government, the prime ministers plan to discuss economic and trade cooperation, regional security, and the two nations' respective paths toward European Union membership.

Tofan and Koretskyi will also attend the Kyiv International Economic Forum. The event focuses on investment opportunities and the expansion of economic ties between the two states.

This high-level engagement follows earlier discussions on energy security. On October 12, Tofan stated that Moldova was considering purchasing natural gas from Ukraine to meet domestic needs. He identified this purchase as a key topic for the current trip.

On October 14, Ukrainian Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal met with Tofan to address shared energy challenges and winter preparations. Separately, Moldovan President Maia Sandu indicated that her country is prepared to accept new refugees from Ukraine if the humanitarian situation deteriorates further.

The visit concludes a week of intensive diplomatic contact between Chisinau and Kyiv, with both leaders seeking to solidify their strategic partnership before the winter heating season.