Moldovan Authorities to Investigate How Visas Were Issued to Afghan Delegation

The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that entry visas were issued to a delegation from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Agriculture. According to the ministry, the visit was organised as part of discussions between Moldovan agricultural producers and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry on the possibility of providing humanitarian aid in the form of agricultural products to Afghanistan, which is facing a severe food crisis. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the members of the visiting delegation are not subject to any international sanctions. At the same time, Moldova strictly complies with all international sanction regimes and does not recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan. In this regard, the Ministry announced that no bilateral meetings or other official contacts with representatives of the Afghan delegation will take place. The Government has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the invitation and entry visas, as well as a review of the relevant internal procedures to ensure full compliance with the law and Moldova’s foreign policy interests. As a reminder, a delegation from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MoAIL) arrived in Moldova on an official visit to strengthen agricultural cooperation. According to the Afghan ministry, the visit is taking place from 2 to 7 August and focuses on developing cooperation in plant protection, pest control, agricultural research, commercial orchard management and the introduction of modern agricultural technologies.