Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that the first official visit of President Igor Dodon to Moscow would contribute to the improvement of bilateral relations between the two nations.

"Moldova is Russia's important partner in the region. Unfortunately we know that relations between our countries face not the best times," declared Vladimir Putin.

About the deadlock in Russian-Moldovan relations also speaks the trade between the two countries that decreased twice. "I hope very much that you first visit to Russia — it is your first foreign visit as president — will give good momentum to the development of our interstate links in all spheres," Putin said during a meeting with Dodon and congratulated him with the victory at elections.

"Over the past 7 years references to a strategic partnership disappeared from our government documents," declared Igor Dodon. According to him, Moldovan citizens have shown by the choice they made in the presidential election that they want a closeness with the Russian Federation.