Moldova in talks to import more U.S. LNG

CHISINAU. May 6 (Interfax) - Moldovan Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu held talks with representatives of the European Commission and the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, Andrew Puzder, during a visit to Brussels, his ministry reported on Tuesday.

They discussed strengthening energy security, protecting critical infrastructure and expanding access to alternative resources, including supplies of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG).

"Access to diversified energy resources, including liquefied natural gas from the United States, directly helps to reduce dependence on traditional sources of imports and increase economic competitiveness," Junghietu was quoted as saying by the ministry's press service.

They also discussed the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor to facilitate supplies of U.S. LNG to the region. In this context, Junghietu noted the potential of developing an investment project in southern Moldova that could use U.S. gas to generate electricity, including for export to Ukraine.

One of the subjects discussed in the talks with EU officials was the security of oil product supplies amid the instability on international markets. Junghietu stressed the need for close coordination with the EU, noting that "the energy security of the EU is not limited by the union's borders and the Republic of Moldova should be part of these joint efforts." He also stressed the importance of including Moldova in the relevant European mechanisms, particular in the area of jet fuel.

The Vertical Gas Corridor is a project being implemented by the gas transport operators of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine and Moldova to create a route for deliveries of non-Russian gas from terminals in the Eastern Mediterranean to Moldova and Ukraine.