The national gas transportation and distribution company “Transgaz” of Romania expressed interest in purchasing the Moldovan company “Vestmoldtransgaz” that was founded to build the Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline, Romania’s Ambassador to Moldova Daniel Ionita stated in the program “In Depth” on ProTV Chisinau channel, IPN reports.

According to the ambassador, the Romanian company submitted a bid to this effect and was the only bidder in this project. There is major interest on both sides of the Prut in having this gas pipeline built by this yearend. “It is a strategic project that will contribute to ensuring the energy security of the Republic of Moldova. From this perspective the project is necessarily supported by Romania. This project also contributes to the physical connection of the Republic of Moldova to the European area and, implicitly, to Romania,” stated Daniel Ionita.

The diplomat considers it is real for the gas pipeline to be finished by the end of 2018. “When the winner is decided, there will be signed the technical documents and, if all the conditions are created, this is possible,” he said, noting that this gas pipeline from the start will place Moldova on a better position when it will have to negotiate contracts for the supply of gas.