Moldovan nationals working and residing in Italy will enjoy the same legal assistance as the citizens of Italy. Moldova’s Parliament today ratified an agreement with Italy on legal assistance and legal relations in civil matter. Under the agreement, the citizens of the Republic of Moldova have the right to freely appeal to courts of law on the territory of the partner country, to make claims and submit petitions, to benefit from public legal representation, to enjoy the same exemptions from court taxes and costs as the citizens of Italy. The agreement also applies to legal entities provided that they reside on the territory of the other Party and are founded in agreement with its laws. The parties to the agreement shall offer upon request mutual assistance in issuing court documents, hearing witnesses, collecting evidence, providing information on relevant laws and case law pertaining to procedure. Assistance shall be refused if the requested documents could harm the sovereignty or security of the country or run counter to its public order. The agreement was signed on December 7 in Rome. Justice Deputy Minister Nicolae Esanu, who presented the ratification bill, said he wasn’t aware whether Italy ratified the Agreement or not.