France, March 7 -- President Emmanuel Macron has stressed France's "unwavering support" for Moldova as tensions mount between Chisinau and pro-Russian separatists. Moldova's pro-EU government fears that the breakaway region of Transnistria, on the border with Ukraine, could become the region's next flashpoint.

"France restates its unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognised borders," he said in ajoint statement with Moldovan President Maia Sandu as she visited Paris on Thursday.

Moldova, a western neighbour of Ukraine, has a tiny defence budget. Relations with Moscow have long been tense and have worsened as Chisinau backs Ukraine in the ...