PHOTO // Moldova, United Arab Emirates sign Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between diplomatic institutes

The Republic of Moldova and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the diplomatic institutes of the two countries. The document was signed during the visit of State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Corina Călugăru to the UAE.

During the visit, the State Secretary held meetings with government officials and business representatives. The political and economic agenda was discussed with the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on expanding trade and investment in the energy, real estate, IT, artificial intelligence, and financial services sectors. The parties reviewed the process of finalizing negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), as well as the possibility of organizing a UAE business delegation to the Republic of Moldova ahead of a future official visit.

During the visit to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the diplomatic institutes of the two countries was signed. It provides for joint training programs, exchanges of diplomats and experts, as well as cooperation in digitalization and the use of new tools in diplomacy.

The cultural and multilateral dimensions were discussed with Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Culture. The discussions focused on expanding cultural exchanges and institutional cooperation, including within UNESCO, as well as mutual support for initiatives and candidacies in international organizations. In this context, the State Secretary promoted the Republic of Moldova's candidacies for the UN Human Rights Council and the Presidency of the UN General Assembly.

In Dubai, State Secretary Corina Călugăru held meetings with Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, and Ammar Alhussari, President of Prime Trip Support. The discussions focused on promoting the Republic of Moldova as an investment destination and capitalizing on the opportunities offered by the country's proximity to the European Union market.

The opportunities offered by Moldova HiTech Park and Moldova Innovation Technology Park were also presented, along with prospects for cooperation in technology, digitalization, and artificial intelligence to modernize public and consular services.

Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Moldova and the United Arab Emirates were established on December 21, 1995.