Cooperation agreement signed with the UAE

A cooperation agreement has been reached between the governments of Malta and the United Arab Emirates.

The agreement, signed in Riyadh, is against the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and organised crime.

Malta’s Ambassador accredited to the UAE, Godwin Montanaro, signed on behalf of Malta, and Ambassador Alsari Saeed Ahmed Aldahari, on behalf of the UAE.

The agreement provides a framework for both countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation in crime related matters.

The two ambassadors will next year be continuing a discussion, embarked up at the Foreign Ministry earlier this month, aimed at facilitating visa formalities for all Maltese citizens, particularly those residing in the UAE.

Another topic which will continue to be discussed is Maltese driving licences, which are not always recognised in the UAE.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry also said that as from January 21 visitors to Malta from the Gulf region will be able to have visa applications to Malta processed by VFS GCC outstations.

This is a company which provides visa and related services and has offices located in Riyadh, Al Khobar, Dammam, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha and Muscat.

VFS will also be promoting Malta and its attractions from its locations and through a dedicated website.