Moldovan PM Lands in Kyiv to Secure Gas Deal Ahead of Winter

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan touched down in Kyiv on Monday to secure natural gas terms and advance his country's European Union bid. He is joined by three cabinet members: Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi, Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu, and Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Bolea. The delegation aims to lock in energy supplies before the winter season begins.

Tofan signaled the energy focus during a phone call on October 12, stating he was considering purchasing gas from Ukraine. That conversation followed a meeting on October 14 between Tofan and Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal. The two officials reviewed shared sectoral challenges and coordinated preparations for the coming cold months.

The visit also addresses Moldova's strategic positioning. President Maia Sandu recently declared that Moldova is prepared to accept new refugees if the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine worsens. Tofan and his Ukrainian counterpart, Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, plan to discuss this regional security dimension alongside trade expansion.

The Moldovan government stated that the prime ministers will negotiate on bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and both nations' paths toward EU membership. The talks aim to deepen the political and economic alignment between the two Black Sea neighbors.

The diplomatic itinerary includes a meeting between Tofan and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Tofan will also sit down with Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chairman of the Ukrainian parliament, to discuss legislative support for closer ties.

The visit concludes with Tofan and Koretskyi attending the Kyiv International Economic Forum. The event focuses on investment opportunities and the development of economic cooperation between the two states.