The Prime Minister of Moldova Natalia Gavrilița met in Kiev with her Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal. The officials conferred on the energy crisis that hit Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, reiterating that swift solutions are needed to provide the people of the two countries with energy resources, IPN reports.

The two Premiers discussed the continuation of the joint projects in the fields of transport and infrastructure and the two states’ views about the successful implementation of the European agenda, underlining the necessity of boosting crossborder trade and noting the current launch of the Basarabeasca-Berezino railway and of the Kiev-Chisinau train passenger route.

“We believe the joint infrastructure projects will stimulate the bilateral trade and will favor the export of our products to the EU. This way, a sustainable mechanism will be created to ensure the food security of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine and at regional level,” stated Premier Gavrilița.

She expressed her support for the people of Ukraine, including the citizens who found refuge in Moldova, and reiterated that Moldova supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Natalia Gavrilița and Denis Shmyhal signed a five-year agreement of cooperation in higher education. Under the agreement, free scholarships to study for bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s degrees well be provided on a basis of reciprocity. There will be staged training courses, seminars, internships and refresher courses for students and teachers of Moldova and Ukraine.

The sides also agreed to cooperate in the higher education sector by developing joint projects within the programs of the European Union, the Council of Europe, the UN, UNESCO and other international organizations.

Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița has paid a visit to Ukraine and visited Bucha and Irpin towns that were destroyed as a result of Russia’s strikes in Ukraine.