Tofan arrives in Kyiv for talks

Moldova has deepened ties with Ukraine through high-level diplomatic engagement this month. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan arrived in Kyiv on Monday, October 26, to lead a four-person delegation. He was accompanied by Vladimir Bolea, minister of infrastructure and regional development. Anatolie Nosatîi, the defense minister, and Dorin Junghietu, the energy minister, also traveled to the Ukrainian capital.

The itinerary for the visit includes meetings with top Ukrainian officials. Tofan is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada. The Moldovan government stated that the prime ministers will focus on bilateral relations and trade cooperation. They will also address regional security and both nations' progress toward joining the European Union.

Energy policy and trade form the core of the discussions. Tofan and Koretskyi will both participate in the Kyiv International Economic Forum. The event focuses on investment opportunities and the expansion of economic ties between the two states. This visit follows a meeting on October 14 between Tofan and Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal. The two leaders discussed winter preparations and shared challenges in the energy sector.

Tofan previously indicated that Moldova is considering buying natural gas from Ukraine. He said on October 12 that he would address this potential purchase during his trip. Moldovan President Maia Sandu has also weighed in on the humanitarian dimension. She stated that Moldova is prepared to accept a new wave of refugees from Ukraine if the severe humanitarian situation forces more people to leave.