Russia and Moldova's breakaway region of Transdniester say they have signed a series of agreements to minimize the impact of Chisinau's new ties with the European Union.
On July 3, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin and Transdniester leader Yevgeny Shevchuk oversaw the signing of agreements covering economics, trade, transport, agriculture, and science.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said fostering closer cooperation was especially important due to "regional and economic conditions becoming more complicated."
Shevchuk said Moldova's increased ties with the EU would bring more disadvantages than advantages.
Meanwhile, Russia’s agriculture watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor announced it will restrict meat imports from Moldova from July 5 over "violations of veterinary-sanitary demands and norms" -- a move the EU said looked like retaliation.
Moldova's parliament ratified the country's Association Agreement with the EU on July 2 despite Moscow's objections.
WATCH: During a U.S. congressional delegation visit to Chisinau on July 3, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (Republic, Mississippi) told RFE/RL's Moldovan Service that the United States backed Moldova's democratic progress and will support the country in the face of pressure from Russia.
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U.S. Senator Wicker On Moldova's EU Accord