The works to build the Ungheni – Chisinau gas pipeline as part of the second stage of the Iasi-Ungheni interconnection project were kicked off. The ceremony involved Prime Minister Pavel Filip and Romanian Deputy Prime Minister for the implementation of strategic partnerships Ana Birchall, IPN reports.

According to the Government’s press service, Pavel Filip said that by the Iași-Ungheni gas pipeline that was put into operation in 2014, almost 1milion cubic meters of gas a year have been supplied to Moldova. Ungheni and several other localities from the neighborhood were supplied with Romanian gas. After the second stage of the project is implemented, the 120 km Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline could ensure the Republic of Moldova with the necessary volume of gas. “After many years during which the price of gas was used as a scarecrow by those who supplied it to Moldova, we come closer to the day when this will no longer happen,” stated the Premier.

Pavel Filip said such projects connect Moldova and Romania to a greater extent. “By the connection to the Romanian system of gas, our country is linked to the European system of gas. Romania connects the Republic of Moldova to Europe,” stated Pavel Filip.

Ana Birchall reiterated Romania’s commitment to further support the Republic of Moldova on its path to European integration, including by energy infrastructure projects. “By such strategic projects, we aim to ensure the irreversible interconnection of the Republic of Moldova to the European area and want to contribute to ensuring better living standards for each citizen of the Republic of Moldova,” stated the official.

The works to build the pipe will be performed by Transgaz within at most 23 months.