Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan says that every shock on the international energy market has a serious impact on his country's economy, thus justifying the need to declare a state of emergency.

In an interview with the AGERPRES National News Agency, he said that Moldova's energy imports account for 10% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Vasile Tofan also thanked Romania for its support in the energy sector.

Referring to Romania's political crisis, the head of the government in Chisinau said that, regardless of the vote that Parliament will cast on Prime Minister-designate Siegfried Muresan, he will respect the decision of the legislature in Bucharest. 'We have a very good relationship with Romania, regardless of what happens in Bucharest. We hope that this strategic, but more than strategic, fraternal relationship (...) will continue regardless of who the new head of government in Bucharest will be,' the Moldovan prime minister said.

AGERPRES: You have said that the Republic of Moldova should be seen as an extension of the Romanian market. What does this mean in practical terms for a Romanian entrepreneur who wants to invest in Moldova?

Vasile Tofan: What I meant is that many investors look at Moldova as a country of fewer than three million [inhabitants]. And I wanted to say that, in fact, we can be seen as a gateway to much larger markets. The strategic partnership we have with Romania allows investors in Moldova to have access to the Romanian market as well as to the potential reconstruction of Ukraine. So it is important for us to position ourselves as a platform for exports and trade, not merely as a small market of three million people.

AGERPRES: With regard to accelerating your accession to the European Union, what is the reform that you should be carrying out and implementing immediately at this point?

Vasile Tofan: You know, we are actually a good pupil, to quote our colleagues in the European Council, when it comes to implementing reforms. We expect a positive report from the European Commission at the end of October because, in fact, we have made significant progress in aligning our legislation and implementing the acquis.

Here I also have a major request and we are counting heavily on Romania's support along this path. Romania is a strong country, a country with an important voice in the European Union and, very importantly, at the European Council, when Moldova's fate is decided, whether we advance or not, Romania should speak out strongly, as it has done so far, and we are counting very much on Romania's support along this path.

AGERPRES: Is there a reform that requires immediate and urgent implementation?

Vasile Tofan: In fact, we are doing well on the reform side. Where we still have work to do, I believe, is in terms of major projects and infrastructure projects, where we are still unable to achieve the pace I would like to see in terms of how quickly things are being done.

AGERPRES: Romania is a strategic partner. Does the current political crisis in Romania affect bilateral relations and, potentially, joint investments?

Vasile Tofan: We have a very good relationship with Romania, regardless of what happens in Bucharest. We hope that this strategic, but more than strategic, fraternal relationship, as I would put it, will continue regardless of who the new head of government in Bucharest will be.

AGERPRES: Would you like to see a particular measure adopted by the Romanian Parliament on Wednesday?

Vasile Tofan: You know, it is the decision of voters and parliamentarians in Romania. We will respect whatever decision is made and I can only assure you that, from our side, we would be completely open and very constructive, and we are counting on the same constructive approach from Romania, which has always been very beneficial for Chisinau.

AGERPRES: You called for a state of emergency to be declared in the Republic of Moldova against the backdrop of energy and water-related problems. What risk does the Republic of Moldova face at the moment?

Vasile Tofan: There are major risks. We are major energy importers. Our energy imports account for almost 10% of GDP and, therefore, every external shock obviously makes the situation worse.

On this occasion, I would also like to thank Romania for its openness towards fuel exports, particularly diesel, from Romanian refineries. We are also counting heavily on the Neptun Deep gas project coming into operation as soon as possible next year, which will also contribute to our energy independence. Obviously, we will pay market prices for it, but it is a more attractive source than buying gas on the Dutch exchange.

AGERPRES: Are you considering additional measures to help the population?

Vasile Tofan: Yes, we have to. Last year we covered around 620,000 households through our compensation programme and, this year, no matter how tight our budget may be, we must intervene to meet the needs of the most vulnerable families. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Cristian Lupascu; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)