Moldova Looks to Ireland for Support in Covering Energy Bills

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan discussed the issue with his Irish counterpart Micheal Martin on the second day of his official visit to New York. “We discussed energy security and the support Moldova will need in the coming period. We talked about the possibility of Ireland supporting our efforts to protect vulnerable families from the burden of energy bills while also strengthening the country’s energy resilience,” Vasile Tofan said, as quoted by logos-pres.md. The two sides also discussed Moldova’s European path and bilateral relations. “Ireland currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union. Moldova is ready to open all the remaining negotiating clusters, and we want to use this period to make as much progress as possible in the EU accession process,” the prime minister said. In New York, Tofan also met with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. The talks focused on the Netherlands’ support for Moldova’s EU accession, investment and attracting Dutch companies to the Moldovan market. “For me, the Netherlands is also an example of how a relatively small country can have a strong economy, resilient institutions and a significant voice in Europe. Much of this experience could also be useful to us,” the prime minister said. On the first day of his visit to New York, Vasile Tofan met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, as well as former US Secretary of State and former CIA Director Mike Pompeo. The sides discussed energy security, investment, Moldova’s European path and strengthening the country’s resilience.