Doha, 19 March 2021 (Qatar Tribune)

By Ashraf Siddiqui

Minister of Internal Affairs of Moldova Pavel Voicu has thanked Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani for inviting him to attend the just concluded international exhibition on homeland security and civil defence (Milipol Qatar 2021).

In an interview with Qatar Tribune, the Moldovan minister said, “We Moldovans pay great respect and importance to the protocol and restrictions recommended by the World Health Organization on COVID-19, and strictly follow the directives. However, it was also very important to stand with the friends. Therefore, in spite of the pandemic restrictions, Moldovan delegation decided to participate in the event.”

He expressed his appreciation of Qatar for holding a successful homeland security exhibition and seminars despite the COVID-19 times, stressing it shows the importance of security and safety of not only the people of Qatar, but also the people of the region.

He praised the government and people of Qatar for supplying around 8.5 tonnes of medical and health protective equipment to Moldova to combat COVID-19 in difficult times.

He admired Qatar for extending support to many countries in such a situation.

The Moldovan minister said his delegation had the opportunity to meet the participating delegates and the host country’s authorities to exchange experiences and to explore areas of cooperation.

“Milipol Qatar provided a platform for us to update ourselves about the latest technology and equipment available in the area of homeland security and civil defence,” he said.

Voicu said he had a fruitful meeting with the prime minister about the possibilities of further cooperation between Qatar and Moldovan, hoping to see a new page in future relationship of the two countries.

He said although Moldova does not have internal safety and security issues, he briefed the prime minister about various challenges the Moldovan government is facing through its borders and the challenges arising from COVID-19 pandemic.

The minister said he had requested the PM to extend help in obtaining the vaccine to Moldova. He said he also discussed the possibility of having a study and economic feasibility to build air link between Doha and Chisinau.