TASHKENT, July 9. /Dunyo IA/.  Yesterday, the capital hosted the inaugural consular consultations on consular and legal affairs between Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Meeting was aimed at expanding cooperation between the two nations in the consular and legal sphere, developing new areas of interaction, improving practical mechanisms of collaboration and enhancing the effectiveness of protecting the rights and legitimate interests of citizens.

Consultations were attended by the UAE delegation led by Faisal Isa Ali Husain Lutfi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Consular Affairs.

Following the negotiations, a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a Joint Consular Committee between the two states was signed. The document will serve as an important legal foundation for the systemic development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UAE in the consular sphere.

One of the key focuses of the consultations was the study and implementation of the UAE's advanced experience in providing digital consular services and utilizing modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, into the operations of Uzbekistan's consular service.

During the meeting, an agreement was also reached to grant citizens of Uzbekistan free access to the “UAE Fast Track” and “E-Gates” systems in the UAE. These services will significantly accelerate border control processes, enhance travel security and comfort and expand access to modern digital solutions.

Parties paid special attention to the protection of citizens' rights. The participants agreed to expedite the exchange of information regarding the citizens of both countries residing within the territories of Uzbekistan and the UAE, while also improving cooperation mechanisms to safeguard their rights and legitimate interests.

A distinct priority on the agenda was assigned to interaction in the field of labor migration. Specifically, an initiative was put forward to organize “Work in UAE” job fairs across the regions of Uzbekistan, featuring the active participation of major employers from the United Arab Emirates.

This initiative is expected to expand employment opportunities for citizens of Uzbekistan under lawful and decent conditions in the UAE labor market, enable the establishment of direct contacts with employers and contribute to the more organized regulation of labor migration.

The inaugural consular consultations between Uzbekistan and the UAE marked a new stage in the development of bilateral relations. The agreements reached will contribute not only to strengthening cooperation between the state authorities of the two nations but also to creating additional conveniences for citizens, developing digital services, and opening new opportunities in the field of labor migration.

Photo by Dunyo IA