“We welcome the Moldovan administration’s intention to have constructive, pragmatic cooperation with Russia, aimed at solving the problems. We hope the given statements of the Moldovan side will be strengthened by practical steps. For our part, we are ready to continue such interaction based on the principles of pragmatism and taking into account the mutual interests,” pokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Maria Zakharova stated in a press briefing that was broadcast by the Russian News Agency TASS, IPN reports.

“Yes, there was a particular hiatus. It was determined by the electoral processes in this country (Republic of Moldova, e.n.). We are gradually resuming the political dialogue with Chisinau. The bilateral contacts are turning regular and sustainable,” stated Maria Zakharova. She gave several relevant examples. In August, a visit to Chisinau was paid by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia Dmitry Kozak. In October, Moldovan Deputy Prime Ministers Vlad Kulminschi and Andrei Spînu visited Moscow. In Athens, the President of the Federation Council, the Upper Chamber of the Federal Assembly, Valentina Matviyenko had a meeting with Moldova’s Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu. On November 17, during a visit to Moscow by Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, there were signed a joint declaration on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation of 2001 and the plan of inter-ministerial consultations for 2022-2023.

“The 17th meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation is being prepared,” said Maria Zakharova.

She refused to comment on President Maia Sandu’s nonparticipation in the recent CIS Summit held in St. Petersburg for the reason that she didn’t receive an official invitation.

“We have our own duties. The summits, high-level meeting are commented on by the Presidential Administration (of Russia, e.n.),” stated Maria Zakharova.