Accelerating cooperation on the construction of the 400 kV Strășeni–Gutinaș overhead power line, as well as continuing the modernization of the National Power System, were among the main topics discussed during the meetings that the Minister of Energy, Dorin Junghietu, held in Washington with senior officials of the U.S. Department of State.

During his visit, Minister Dorin Junghietu met with Christopher Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe and Eurasia in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, as well as with Kevin Covert, Director for Eastern European Affairs.

The discussions focused on the priorities of bilateral cooperation, the consistent support provided by the United States for reforms in the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova, the continued strengthening and modernization of the National Power System, as well as attracting American private capital investments in national and regional energy projects. Dorin Junghietu highlighted the importance of strengthening the Moldovan-American strategic partnership in the field of regional energy security.

In turn, Christopher Smith reaffirmed the United States’ support for Moldova in strengthening energy security and implementing advanced solutions for managing complex situations in the field of cybersecurity.

A central topic on the agenda was accelerating cooperation on the construction of the 400 kV Strășeni–Gutinaș overhead power line, a strategic project for the full interconnection of the Republic of Moldova’s energy system with the European market. With a total length of approximately 190 km—70 km on the territory of the Republic of Moldova and 120 km on the territory of Romania—it will become the third 400 kV power line between the two countries.

The project is fully financed by the United States through a $130 million grant and represents a strategic investment in increasing Moldova’s energy independence, diversifying supply routes, and improving the reliability of the power system.

At the same time, the minister also held a meeting with representatives of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Treasury, where discussions focused on the process of returning aviation fuel supply assets at Chișinău International Airport “Eugen Doga” to state ownership.

In this context, OFAC representatives spoke about the ongoing technical stages related to the evaluation and approval of negotiations and transactions for the acquisition of the assets of Lukoil International GmbH.

The Minister of Energy emphasized the commitment of the Government of the Republic of Moldova to maintain control over the airport asset, while also keeping open the possibility of attracting experienced private operators, following European practices where aircraft fueling services are provided by at least two operators.