"The leaders will reaffirm their full support for Moldova's security, sovereignty and European path," the Elysee said in a statement about the August 27 trip.

Moldova, a small former Soviet republic located between Ukraine and EU and NATO member Romania, will hold parliamentary elections on September 28. The country's ruling party is seeking to maintain its majority and keep its pro-European trajectory intact.

Moldovan officials have repeatedly accused Russia of meddling in its domestic politics by stoking pro-Moscow sentiment in an effort to topple the government as it aims to strengthen ties with the West, claims Russia denies.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Pineau; Editing by Makini Brice and Gabriel Stargardter)