Moldovan premier has meeting with Romanian counterpart

Chisinau, 29 November /MOLDPRES/ - Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita today had a meeting with her Romanian counterpart Nicolae Ionel Ciuca, during her working visit to Bucharest. The officials exchanged opinions on the economic, energy and security situation in the region and expressed mutual support for overcoming the challenges triggered by the consequence of the war in Ukraine, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.   

The Moldovan PM thanked Prime Minister Ciuca for the prompt measures taken by Romania, in order to attenuate the impact of the energy crisis, which hit Moldova; in particular, it is about the delivery, at a preferential price, of electricity, natural gas, crude oil and fire wood. In the context, the sides discussed the actions which might still be undertaken in the long run, in order to enhance Moldova’s energy security, emphasizing the infrastructure projects which would ensure the connection between Moldova and Romania for medium and long terms.      

„Now, when all European countries face a deficit of energy resources, the assistance which we receive in this sector is ten-fold more valuable. We appreciate the decision announced today on the purchasing of additional quantities of electric energy – 100 MWh from Hidroelectrica at capped price. Besides the long-term needs, we want to speed up the interconnection with the transport system from Romania through the acceleration of the construction of the Chisinau-Vulcanesti high-tension line and starting the procedure on the Balti-Suceava line. We appreciate the lasting friendship between our states and we will do our utmost for the successful implementation of the joint projects, launched with Romania’s support, including the project of accession to the European Union,’’ Prime Minister Gavrilita said.        

During the discussions, the sides referred to the security risks and measures of combating the hybrid threats faced by Moldova. The officials touched upon the projects under implementation, noting the project on the construction of the Leova-Bumbata bridge, due to be finished till late November. At the same time, the sides stressed the importance of speeding up the implementation of the 100-million-euros-worth grant and the disbursement, till late 2022, of 25 million euros for projects in the education and public administration sector.

At the same time, the two PMs praised the leap of the figure of Moldova’s foreign trade with Romania. In the first half of this year, a 70-per cent increase in the bilateral trade was recorded, Romania ranking first in the top of Moldova’s commercial partners and is on the second position among the investors.   

Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca reiterated Romania’s support for Moldova’s European agenda and for continuously developing the Moldovan-Romanian bilateral relations.  

Photo: Government