Tensions around the self-proclaimed republic flared after Ukraine introduced new customs regulations on March 3, requiring that all goods bound for Ukraine from Transdnestr carry an official Moldovan stamp. Transdnestr has said the regulations amount to an economic blockade of the region.
"During an opinion exchange, the Russian Federation's desire to continue rendering maximum aid in restoring trust and reducing confrontation level between Chisinau and Tiraspol was noted," the ministry said.
Sergei Lavrov and Igor Smirnov stressed the necessity to settle customs and transportation problems that arose in March 2006, which would help create the necessary conditions to resume a Transdnestr settlement process in line with earlier reached agreements.
Transdnestr, which has a largely Russian-speaking population, broke away from Moldova after a bloody war in the early 1990s. In a September 17 plebiscite, more than 97% of Transdnestr's population reportedly voted in favor of independence, and to subsequently join the Russian Federation.
Russia, which helped end the war and has since maintained a contingent in the region, has not made official signals of its willingness to admit the region although is widely believed to support the breakaway regime.
