Dorin Junghietu, in Baku: "Together we will exclude dependence on a single energy supplier"
During the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council in Baku, Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu discussed the progress made by the Republic of Moldova in diversifying natural gas supplies and enhancing energy independence with European and Azerbaijani officials. The conversations also highlighted the development of the energy sector, emphasising the increase in renewable energy production and the implementation of energy efficiency measures, all supported by development partners.
During a meeting with Dan Jørgensen, the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, the Moldovan official reiterated the Republic of Moldova's strong commitment to integrating its energy sector into the European Single Market. The official expressed gratitude to the European Union for its unwavering support, particularly for the rapid intervention that helped the country overcome the energy crisis this winter, which was caused by Russia. The minister emphasized that the swift response from European partners prevented a humanitarian crisis on the left bank of the Nistru.
“We appreciate the ongoing support from the European Union and are confident that together we can eliminate our dependence on a single energy supplier. Our goal is to fully integrate local energy markets into the European market by 2030, which will significantly boost the economic development of the Republic of Moldova,” said Dorin Junghietu during the meeting.
The European Commissioner acknowledged the significant progress Moldova has made in meeting EU criteria in the energy sector. He reaffirmed the financial support proposed under the Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova, which amounts to 250 million euros, reads a statement from the Ministry of Energy.
In a separate meeting with Mikayil Jabbarov, the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the two parties discussed their joint activities in the economic sector and explored possibilities for collaboration on renewable energy projects and initiatives from Azerbaijan.
During discussions with Parviz Shahbazov, the Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan, the Moldovan official reiterated Moldova's interest in diversifying its gas supply sources, including potential cooperation with Azerbaijan.
The discussions also covered the potential for collaboration with the SOCAR company for the export of petroleum products and natural gas, as well as attracting Azerbaijani investors to the Moldovan market.
Additionally, topics related to cooperation projects in the field of green energy were addressed, including the "Green Energy Corridor," which aims to transport electricity produced from renewable sources along the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania-Hungary axis.
