Newly elected Moldovan President Igor Dodon will visit Transdniestria on Jan. 4 to meet with the breakaway territory's new leader Vadim Krasnoselski, in the city of Bender, Moldova.org reported.

Axar.az reports that, it will be the first meeting between the leadership of Moldova and Transdniestria in eight years. Dodon said the meeting was "necessary for intensifying talks" on a Transdniestria settlement.

The Moldovan president campaigned on a pro-Russia platform that sought to improve ties with Transdniestria and settle the frozen conflict. There is unlikely to be any major breakthroughs at this initial meeting, but the fact that it is even being held is significant.

Dodon will later travel to Russia on Jan. 17 to hold a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.