Diplomatic relations between Russia and Moldova were established on April 6, 1992. The Framework Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation between the Russia Federation and the Republic of Moldova was signed in Moscow on November 19, 2001. The Agreement came into effect on May 13, 2002. Its preamble has provisions concerning strategic partnership between the two states, and Russia's role as a liaison and guarantor of a political resolution of the Transdnestr problem. The legal base, including agreements and regulatory acts, constitutes in excess of 150 documents that govern mutual relations in various areas.
Since 2003, relations between the two states have plummeted, affecting all spheres of cooperation. Bilateral foreign policy intercourse became insignificant; bilateral coordination of efforts within the CIS and in the resolution of key international problems was made minimal by the Moldovan side. Trade and economic ties between the two states began to encounter new roadblocks, and humanitarian contacts were less intensive.
Against this backdrop, European integration became the top priority of Moldovan foreign policy. Local relations between GUAM members prevailed over cooperation within the CIS. Overall interactions between Russia and Moldova were insufficient for a strategic partnership. Unfriendly rhetoric in the Moldovan media caused a negative response of the general public in Russia.
Concerted efforts by the Russian authorities and their pragmatic approach toward resolution of economic problems have facilitated improvement in the mutual relationship since 2006. Their political dialogue on bilateral cooperation is being gradually revived, and multiple summits have been held.
Vasile Tarlev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, made a working visit to Moscow on February 20, 2008. Vladimir Putin and Zinaida Greceanii held a brief meeting in Minsk on May 23 in the course of a session of the Council of the Heads of Government of CIS member states. The Prime Minister of Moldova made a working visit to Moscow on June 20.
Interdepartmental contacts are also maintained on a regular basis. Consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs are held. Interactions between legislative, constitutional, and migration control authorities are more frequent. Potential investments are being considered.
Russia remains one of Moldova's main economic partners. Russia's share in the republic's overall foreign trade turnover is 17.3%. According to the Federal Customs Service of Russia, in 2007, the bilateral trade value was $1,359.4 million. (137.6% of the 2006 value). The value of the Russian export was $869.7 million. (130.9%), and the value of the Russian import was $489.7 million (151.5%). From January to August 2008, the bilateral trade value was $1,162.9 million (export - $720.6 million, import - $442.3 million).
Russian investments in the Moldovan economy have exceeded $260 million. Moldova is Russia's second biggest investee among CIS member states. There are 435 enterprises with Russian capital in Moldova. Moldovan investments in the Russian economy equal $29.7 million.
Since 1996, the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation has been in operation. Its regular tenth session was held in Moscow on November 6 and 7, 2008.
Cooperation between law-enforcement agencies and intelligence services is maintained, particularly, in coordinating the suppression of organised crime and terrorism. Contacts in defence technologies also have some potential for development.
Contacts between Russian and Moldovan regions have potential for intensification. Representatives from over 10 Russian Federation entities participated in the Chisinau Investment Forum (October 11-12, 2007) and in the business community meeting held under the auspices of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Russia and Moldova (February 6-7, 2008).
Political and economic problems associated with bilateral relations have had a certain impact on the humanitarian interaction between the two states. Nevertheless, mutual interest in arts, science and education remains. The Russian community makes its contribution to the development of historical traditions and the maintenance of spiritual closeness between the two peoples. In September 2007, Moldova's Culture Days were held in Moscow and other Russian cities. From October 20 to 26, 2008, Russia's Culture Days were successfully held in Moldova. At present, a new humanitarian cooperation programme for 2008 - 2009 is being developed.
Moldova says that the Transdnestr problem remains the sole unresolved hurdle. We reject the way this issue is formulated, as Chisinau and Tiraspol are the parties that should come to an agreement. The situation complicated by the economic pressure on Transdnestr affects the position of more than 120,000 Russian citizens. Russian business faces problems with production and realisation of products in the region.
Aware of its responsibility for maintaining stability around Transdnestr and acting as a guarantor and mediator in negotiations on a Transdnestr settlement, Russia supports an effective resolution of the Transdnestr problem through the assignment of a special and firmly guaranteed status to the area with the territorial integrity of Moldova being preserved. The terms and conditions of the status are to be developed in the course of negotiations between the parties. Russia has contributed to the maintenance of stability in this region as a peacekeeping force (these forces also include Moldovan and Transdnestr troops and Ukrainian military observers) under the 1992 Agreement on the Principles of Peaceful Settlement of the Armed Conflict.