Moldovan Prime Minister Arrives in Kyiv with Three Cabinet Ministers

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan landed in Kyiv on Monday, October 26, for a working visit focused on energy, security, and trade.

Tofan traveled with three cabinet ministers: Vladimir Bolea, the minister of infrastructure and regional development; Anatolie Nosatîi, the defence minister; and Dorin Junghietu, the energy minister. The Moldovan government announced the delegation size and the specific agenda items for the trip. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and coordinate on regional challenges.

Tofan is scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, and Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada. The prime ministers will hold bilateral talks on expanding economic cooperation and defining the paths for both nations toward European Union membership. Regional security also features prominently in the agenda.

Energy security represents a central theme of the visit. Tofan stated on October 12 that Moldova is considering purchasing natural gas from Ukraine to meet domestic needs. He identified this potential deal as a key topic for his Kyiv trip. Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal met with Tofan on October 14 to discuss winter preparations and shared challenges in the energy sector. These prior contacts set the stage for the current high-level negotiations.

The leaders will also participate in the Kyiv International Economic Forum. This event focuses on investment opportunities and the development of cross-border economic ties. The forum aligns with the bilateral discussions on trade growth that Tofan and Koretskyi plan to address. Both officials view the forum as a platform to solidify their economic partnership.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu addressed the humanitarian dimension of the relationship. She stated that Moldova is prepared to receive another influx of refugees from Ukraine if the severe humanitarian situation drives more people to leave. This readiness underscores the practical support Moldova offers its neighbor amid ongoing regional pressures.