9 February 2026, Chișinău – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi held a farewell meeting with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Moldova, resident in Bucharest, Dr Mohammed Abdulghani Khayat.

Minister Mihai Popșoi expressed appreciation for the Ambassador’s work and his contribution to strengthening Moldova–Saudi relations and intensifying bilateral dialogue in areas of mutual interest.

The Minister noted the outcomes of his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, undertaken at the invitation of his Saudi counterpart, during which the General Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was signed (Riyadh, 4 November 2024). In this context, the Ambassador’s contribution to facilitating the organisation of the visit was appreciated.

“Your mandate has been an important one and has brought our countries closer. We will continue to work together to further develop relations between the Republic of Moldova and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Minister Mihai Popșoi.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between the Republic of Moldova and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as his active involvement in advancing opportunities to deepen the Moldova–Saudi political dialogue, Ambassador Dr Mohammed Abdulghani Khayat was awarded the ‘Diplomatic Merit’ Medal, 2nd Class.

Ambassador Dr Mohammed Abdulghani Khayat noted that the Republic of Moldova holds a special place in his heart and that he considers it his second home, expressing his wish to return to our country even after the end of his diplomatic mandate.

Minister Mihai Popșoi wished him success in his future diplomatic endeavours and expressed confidence that cooperative relations between the Republic of Moldova and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will continue to grow.