Doha – Moldova and Morocco have eliminated visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, service, and special passports, following the Moldovan Parliament’s ratification of a reciprocal agreement. According to Moldovan news agency IPN, the agreement was signed in Chisinau on April 15.
The newly ratified accord allows diplomatic, service, and special passport holders to enter, exit, or transit through either country without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This calculation takes into account the previous 180 days before each day of stay.
Family members of eligible individuals will also benefit from the visa exemption. This includes spouses, children, parents, and other dependents who live together during their official stay and hold valid diplomatic, service, or special passports.
The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the agreement aims to develop and strengthen collaborative and friendly relations between the two countries by enabling visa-free travel for holders of these specific passport types.
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This visa agreement comes on the heels of Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita’s diplomatic tour in Europe in mid-April, which included a stop in Moldova.
During this visit, Moldova recognized Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara as “the most serious and credible basis” for resolving the regional dispute.
Meanwhile, high-level talks between Bourita and Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi resulted in five cooperation accords, including the visa exemption agreement.
The other agreements focused on establishing political consultations between the two countries’ foreign ministries, promoting economic diplomacy, facilitating exchanges between diplomatic institutes, and enhancing cultural cooperation.
Both ministers expressed satisfaction with “the excellence of relations between the two countries” and committed to intensifying political dialogue across all sectors.
They agreed to organize a comprehensive business forum targeting specific sectors with high partnership potential, including agriculture, fertilizers, energy, industrial outsourcing, digital technology, and cybersecurity.
During their meeting, Popșoi voiced Moldova’s “full support for the sincere efforts” deployed by Morocco to resolve the Sahara issue. The Eastern European country reiterated its backing for the UN-led process aimed at reaching a “just, pragmatic, durable and mutually acceptable” political solution.
The Moldovan minister described Morocco as “a regional stability hub and growth catalyst in Africa,” while Bourita expressed support for Moldova’s EU accession negotiations and ongoing reform efforts. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regional stability, security, and peace.