Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri and his Moldovan counterpart Nicu Popescu signed yesterday three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to establish a political consultation mechanism between the foreign ministries of the two countries and hold co-operation between the institutes of diplomatic studies.
Foreign Minister Shoukri and his Moldovan counterpart also asserted the depth of relations binding the two countries in the various fields.
At a joint press conference held after the talks, Shoukri welcomed the Moldovan minister’s visit to Cairo and said the talks covered means of pushing forward relations in all domains.
He also said that three MOUs have been signed as part the two countries’ keenness to enhance their relations and work out a mechanism for bilateral consultations.
Shoukri said his talks with the Moldovan minister covered regional and international developments, the Ukraine-Russia crisis and its impact on Egypt, the Palestinian issue, the situation in Yemen as well as challenges of countering terrorism.
The two ministers also signed an agreement on mutual exemption of visa for holders of diplomatic, special and mission passports, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid.
Shoukri said Nicu Popescu’s current visit to Egypt is the first to be made by a Moldovan foreign minister since the country’s independence more than 30 years ago.
The Egyptian foreign minister noted that the first MoU, which was signed yesterday, includes the establishment of a political dialogue between both countries at the level of foreign ministers.
Under the second MoU, visa-free entry shall be allowed between the two countries for holders of diplomatic and special passports, he added.
The third one covers co-operation between the institutes of diplomatic studies in both countries, he noted.
Shoukri said the three MoUs come within the framework of the two countries’ keenness to bolster relations and develop a mechanism for periodic consultation in a way that helps strengthen bilateral co-operation.
On the fringe of the Moldovan foreign minister’s visit, the joint business council has convened with the aim of enhancing trade cooperation, Shouki said.
The Egyptian foreign minister expressed Cairo’s aspiration to continue contacts and coordination with Moldova in order to promote political, economic and cultural co-operation.
Meanwhile, the Moldovan foreign minister said his visit to Egypt offers an opportunity for giving impetus to bilateral relations and expressing willingness to expand co-operation.
He added that the MoUs signed yesterday will contribute to exchanging views and maintaining joint coordination, pointing out to the one related to visa-free entry.
Popescu praised co-operation with Egypt, noting that his meeting with Shoukri touched on joint projects in the sectors of tourism and new energy.
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