The economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and Moldova will depend on the decisions taken by Chisinau in the process of association with the European Union, the President of Russia Vladimir Putin stated in a news conference held jointly with his Moldovan counterpart Igor Dodon after a meeting, IPN reports, quoting RIA Novosti.

“A lot depends on the way in which Moldova builds its relationship with the European Union. I refer to the Association Agreement that was signed and took effect,” said Vladimir Putin. He also said that the Moldova-EU Association Agreement poses particular risks to the Russian market, which intensified after a similar agreement with the EU was signed by Ukraine.

Asked by journalists about the possibility of restoring the economic cooperation with Moldova, the Russian President said he believes they will ultimately succeed to do this, but they should take into account the realities. “We know the powers of the Government of the Republic of Moldova and of the President. Under the Moldovan legislation, some of the issues are not within the remit of the President. We are willing to cooperate both with the Government and with the Presidential Administration. We are ready for this,” stated Vladimir Putin.

President Igor Dodon is paying an official visit to Russia on January 16-18, 2017.