Until 1991, the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic had been a constituent SSR of the Soviet Union. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Supreme Soviet of the Moldavian SSR declared itself independent on August 27, 1991, and renamed itself the Republic of Moldova. The United States recognized Moldova on December 26, 1991,Lewthwaite, Gilbert A. (26 December 1991). "Praising Gorbachev, Bush recognizes six republics". The Baltimore Sun. p. 1A. and established diplomatic relations February 18, 1992. The U.S. embassy in Chişinău was established March 13, 1992, with Howard Steers as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.
