CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — The leader of a pro-Russian separatist republic has announced that his foreign minister is resigning to take up another position: she'll become his wife.

Leader of Trans-Dniester, Yevgeny Shevchuk, said in a news conference Monday that Nina Shtanski was quitting her post. "She will leave for another job and no longer be minister," he said. "She will soon fulfill the obligations of the president's wife," said agency Novosti Pridnestrovia, quoting the separatist leader.

Shevchuk was elected leader of Trans-Dniester in 2011. The glamorous Shtanski asked Russia in 2014 to take over Trans-Dniester which does not have a border with Russia.

Trans-Dniester broke away from Moldova in 1990 over fears it planned to reunite with neighboring Romania. There are some 1,500 Russian peacekeepers and troops guarding Soviet-era weapons stationed there.

No date was given for the wedding.