Kyrgyzstan may be on the verge of a major travel and mobility boost after high-level security talks held in Abu Dhabi, signaling possible progress toward visa-free travel to the United Arab Emirates.

Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev met with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the UAE capital, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

During the meeting, Kasymaliev highlighted the positive impact of a memorandum signed last April on the mutual recognition of driver’s licenses, describing it as an important step that has eased travel for citizens and strengthened bilateral ties. The two sides also noted successful cooperation in the security sphere, including efforts to combat transnational organized crime, financial crime, and cybercrime.

Against this backdrop, the Kyrgyz delegation expressed strong interest in the UAE’s advanced experience in digitalizing law enforcement, introducing intelligent monitoring systems, and strengthening crime prevention mechanisms. Kasymaliev also formally requested support in establishing a visa-free regime for Kyrgyz citizens traveling to the UAE.

Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in turn, stressed the close personal ties between the two countries’ leaders and described Kyrgyzstan as a friendly and trusted partner. He assured that the issue of visa-free travel would be carefully considered and said Emirati security specialists could be sent to Kyrgyzstan to share expertise and best practices.