The Republic of Maldives and the Republic of Seychelles exchanged four key agreements on Monday, marking a significant step forward in bilateral relations between the two countries. H.E. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the President of the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr Wavel Ramkalawan, presided over the agreement exchange ceremony. The agreements exchanged are:
1. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of the Republic of Seychelles on short-stay visa waiver:
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Abdulla Shahid (O.D.R.I.), and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of the Seychelles, H.E. Mr Sylvestre Radegonde. The agreement would ease existing travel restrictions for nationals of both countries, who would be permitted to travel visa-free for 30 days. This would also strengthen the socio-economic relationship between both countries.
2. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of the Republic of Seychelles Concerning Air Services:
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Abdulla Shahid (O.D.R.I), and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Seychelles, H.E. Mr Sylvestre Radegonde. The agreement would facilitate international air travel, promote economic growth, and ensure the safe and efficient operation of air services between the Maldives and Seychelles.
3. Protocol between the Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of the Republic of Seychelles on the Cooperation to Combat Transnational Organised Crime and other Maritime Security and Safety Threats:
The protocol was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Abdulla Shahid (O.D.R.I), and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Seychelles, H.E. Mr Sylvestre Radegonde. The objective of this Protocol is to consolidate and further strengthen the cooperation between the two parties in search and rescue, combating piracy and other maritime security threats. The protocol would further strengthen efforts to ensure maritime safety and security.
4. Memorandum of Understanding for Youth Development Cooperation between the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment of the Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family of the Government of the Republic of Seychelles:
The MoU was signed by the Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Ahmed Mahloof, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Seychelles, H.E. Mr Sylvestre Radegonde. This MoU aims to share the knowledge, experience, and resources between the Maldives and Seychelles and develop long-term cooperation in various areas, including capacity building and youth exchange programmes.
The signing of these agreements marks a new chapter in the relationship between the Maldives and Seychelles. It demonstrates the commitment of both nations to deepening cooperation across various sectors and promoting mutual growth and development.
