Moldova has more support than ever from Ukraine in solving the Transnistrian issue, Ion Stavila, former ambassador to Kiev, said during the Place of Dialogue talk-show on Radio Moldova.

“Ukraine began a more active involvement in the Transnistrian problem after facing separatism in its eastern regions. Ukrainian press and politicians are comparing the situation in Donbass and Donetsk with what happened here. Ukraine might learn from Chisinau in dealing with separatism and Chisinau might use Ukraine's experience as well”, said the Moldovan diplomat.

Ion Stavila welcomes the intensification of Ukrainian control on the Transnistrian border segment. “The security measures on this segment of the border have a positive impact. It's not an embargo, as Tiraspol calls it. It's about establishing order at the border, controlling the flow of passengers and goods, fighting smuggling and human trafficking”, argued the former ambassador.

He thinks the two countries are interested in helping and supporting each other. “In Ukraine, we have the largest diaspora, about half a million people. In Moldova, it's a similar situation. We have about 600,000 Ukrainians”, stressed Stavila.

Ion Stavila was appointed ambassador to Ukraine for 5 years in July 2010.