The Republic of Moldova managed these years, thanks to the Romanian and European support, not to depend on the Russian gas, said Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Alexandru Munteanu who is on a visit to Bucharest, adding that he wants to expand cooperation.

'Moldova has managed these years, thanks to the Romanian and European support, to no longer depend on the Russian gas, transforming from a vulnerable consumer into an active regional partner and a key partner in the vertical gas corridor which connects Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine. We want to expand cooperation. For us, the contract signed between Energocom and OMV Petrom in order to access gas in Neptune Deep is important. We invite companies on the Romanian market which have experience in green energy production and storage systems to participate in our tenders. Moreover, we expressed our intention to participate in the construction of the next unit in Cernavoda,' the PM of Chisinau told a joint news conference with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, held at the Victoria Palace.

The Moldovan PM mentioned that the Republic of Moldova has new goals to develop energy infrastructure.

'We thank Romania for the access to the energy market, but also for the support of our integration into the European energy market. We have new goals for developing the energy infrastructure, besides the three lines already set out to be ready by 2028, including Vulcanesi-Chinisau which is basically 90 percent competed. We are talking about new interconnection projects with Romania and Ukraine: Vulcanesti - Smardan, Comrat - Smardan and Vulcanesti - Artsyz, which will increase regional connectivity,' he explained.

According to the Moldovan prime minister, over 1,600 Romanian companies are already present in the Republic of Moldova, our country being the main trade partner and the largest investor.

Alexandru Munteanu highlighted also the strategic vision in the area of road infrastructure.

'We have already started the works at the first road bridge over the Pruth in the past six decades. We want to build a new bridge at Albita, to activate the Cantemir -Falciu railway connection and link up with the Romanian railway network and motorways,' he said.

The Moldovan prime minister welcomed Romania's technical support and expertise in strengthening institutional and cyber resilience. He advocated for a more active collaboration to counter cyber risks, protect critical infrastructure and provide professional training in digital security.

'Cooperation in the areas of education and culture is natural and beneficial for pupils, students and young people on both sides of the Pruth. We have 100 joint projects in the research area, we have a Romanian book fair in both Chisinau and Bucharest, we have the gathering of Romanian theatres and Romanian Film Days, but culture and education have no limits. We can build on these progresses even further. Every restored heritage building, every light bulb, every road, every school bus, every bridge, every renovated kindergarten means we are moving in the right direction. Together, all of these make a real difference to people's daily lives. Dignified living and peace are the goals that unite us and form the cornerstone of our governments' cooperation,' Alexandru Munteanu conveyed. AGERPRES(RO - writing by: Irinela Visan; EN - writing by: Rodica State)