Ivanov: Russia Builds Its Relations With Moldova as with Sovereign and Independent State

Russia builds its relations with Moldova as with a sovereign and independent state, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov stated on Monday.

Moscow builds its relations with all states on the same principles, respecting sovereignty and taking its own interests into consideration, he said.

"We are linked with Moldova, just as with Romania, by historical interconnections, but we consider each of these states to be an altogether independent entity of the international community," the Minister noted.

According to Ivanov, Russia believes that "relations with other countries should not influence" the development of bilateral relations with Romania. Underlying the Russian-Romanian political treaty, which was initialled in Bucharest on Monday, are the principles expressing the striving of both states to build their relationship on the basis of pragmatism, good-neighbourliness and mutual interest, he noted.

Touching upon Transdniestria (the self-proclaimed republic on the territory of Moldova), Ivanov highlighted the interest of Moscow in settling the conflict in a political way. As he said, the citizens of the Republic of Moldova must resolve this problem within the framework of the negotiating process between Chisinau and Tiraspol.

For its part, Russia in cooperation with the EU will render the necessary assistance in creating normal conditions for life and work of citizens of all nationalities within the confines of an integral state, the Russian Foreign Minister added.