10 February 2025, Abu Dhabi – On 9 February, the first round of consular consultations between the Republic of Moldova and the United Arab Emirates took place in Abu Dhabi. The delegations were headed by Lilian Moraru, Head of the Consular Affairs Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, and Rashid Rahma, Head of the Consular Services Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates.

The consultations covered a broad range of topics, with a focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the consular field, the digitalisation of services, and the establishment of operational communication mechanisms and rapid response procedures in exceptional situations. These measures aim to strengthen the protection and assistance provided to citizens of both countries.

An important topic of the discussions was the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Moldova and the United Arab Emirates on the mutual recognition and exchange of driving licences, signed on 3 February in Dubai. The parties agreed on the steps required for the effective implementation of the agreement, with an emphasis on facilitating citizens’ access to simplified and efficient procedures.

The first round of consular consultations highlighted the importance of closer coordination and a steady exchange of information and best practices between the two states. In this context, the parties expressed their commitment to further develop practical cooperation in the consular field for the benefit of citizens of both countries. It was also agreed that the next round of consultations will be held in Chișinău in 2027.