Chisinau: Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon expressed his anticipation that Moldova will inevitably restore its strategic partnership with Russia, stating that such a move aligns with the national interests of the country and reflects the will of the majority of its citizens.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Dodon conveyed his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion marking 33 years of diplomatic relations between Moldova and Russia. He emphasized the strong friendship and cooperation historically shared by the two nations, highlighting their common historical, cultural, and spiritual roots. Dodon declared that the full restoration of strategic partnership with Russia is a national interest and aligns with the desires of the majority of Moldovan citizens, as he communicated via Telegram.

Dodon further remarked that the current challenges in bilateral relations would not succeed in dividing the peoples of Moldova and Russia. He referred to the "temporary rulers in power" in Moldova, expressing confidence that they would not manage to disrupt the longstanding ties between the two countries.

Diplomatic ties between Russia and Moldova were formally established on April 6, 1992. However, relations between the two nations have experienced strain following the rise of Moldova's pro-EU President Maia Sandu in 2020. In March, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Sandu's administration of exerting pressure on her pro-Russia political opponents.