The Republic of Moldova and Ireland have signed a social security agreement that will allow citizens of both countries to combine periods of employment in the two states to establish their pension entitlement. The document was signed in Dublin in the presence of President Maia Sandu and Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, on the eve of the European Political Community summit, IPN reports.

The provisions of the document cover old-age pensions, disability pensions for general medical conditions, and survivors’ pensions, as well as benefits for workplace accidents and occupational diseases. To qualify, applicants must meet the requirements set out in each country’s legislation.

The agreement will enter into force once ratified by both countries and will extend social protection to the approximately 30,000 Moldovan citizens living and working in Ireland.

The agreement was signed during a meeting between President Maia Sandu and Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin on the eve of the European Political Community summit hosted by Ireland. According to the President’s Office, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and the Republic of Moldova’s path towards EU membership, as Ireland holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for the current six-month term.