Moldovan PM Tofan leads four-person team to Kyiv for gas and EU talks

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan arrived in Kyiv on Monday to conduct a working visit with Ukrainian counterparts.

The delegation includes three senior ministers: Vladimir Bolea, who oversees infrastructure and regional development; Anatolie Nosatîi, the defense minister; and Dorin Junghietu, the energy minister. Tofan is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.

The Moldovan government stated that the leaders will focus on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic and trade cooperation. The agenda also covers regional security and both nations' progress toward European Union membership. Tofan and Koretskyi will jointly attend the Kyiv International Economic Forum, which centers on investment opportunities and economic development.

Energy security is a central component of the trip. On October 12, Tofan indicated that Moldova is considering purchasing natural gas from Ukraine to meet domestic needs. He planned to negotiate specific terms during this visit. Earlier this month, on October 14, Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal met with Tofan to discuss shared challenges in the energy sector and preparations for the winter heating season.

President Maia Sandu recently noted that Moldova is prepared to accept a new wave of refugees from Ukraine. She cited the severe humanitarian conditions in the conflict zone as a reason for potential population movement. The current diplomatic engagement aims to solidify practical support mechanisms between the two neighboring states.