Prime Minister Iurie Leanca confirmed Moldova’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and pleaded for maintaining stability in the region, avoiding tensions and overcoming the current crisis by peaceful ways. On March 17, the official met his Ukrainian counterpart Arseny Yatseniuk in Kiev, IPN reports.

According to a communiqué from the Government, the Premier said Moldova considers the so-called referendum held in Crimea is illegal as it runs counter to the Constitution of Ukraine and the international law norms.

Arseny Yatseniuk said there are many problems that are to be solved in concert. “Today’s meeting is a very important one and signifies a new beginning in strengthening the bilateral relations. We will go together along the path to European integration,” said the head of Government.

The interlocutors conferred on the Transnistrian issue, underlining the necessity of continuing the Transnistrian conflict settlement talks so as to agree a special status for the Transnistrian region as a component part of Moldova.