French President Emmanuel Macron and Moldovan leader Maia Sandu will sign a defense cooperation agreement in Paris on Thursday, March 6, Macron's office said, as tensions mount between Chisinau and pro-Russian separatists. Macron and Sandu will discuss the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in "all areas," the Elysee Palace said on Wednesday.
Their meeting in the French capital will take place after pro-Russian officials in Moldova's breakaway region of Transnistria last week appealed to Russia for "protection." There is mounting concern that the territory could become a new flashpoint in Moscow's two-year war against Ukraine.
"A defense cooperation agreement and a roadmap for economic cooperation will be signed during the visit," a statement from Macron's office said, without providing further details. "The president[...] will reiterate France's support for the independence, sovereignty and security of the Republic of Moldova, in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," the statement added.
Sandu has accused Russia of plotting to overthrow her government. Moldova, which borders Ukraine and EU member Romania, is seeking to join the European Union and has obtained EU candidate status.
The French foreign ministry has said that Russia is "very likely" behind destabilization attempts in Moldova. France's efforts to reinforce ties with ex-Soviet nations are keenly watched in Moscow.