Maldives Signs Visa and Cooperation Agreements During UNGA Week
- The Maldives signed six agreements with five countries during UNGA high-level week in New York.
- Agreements with Kenya, Croatia, Angola and Viet Nam establish regular political consultations and diplomatic dialogue.
- A visa exemption with Belarus allows 30-day single stays or 90 days annually, plus Angola diplomatic training cooperation.
The Maldives signed six agreements with five countries on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, creating new channels for diplomatic talks, training and travel.
The agreements with Kenya, Croatia and Angola establish arrangements for regular political consultations. A separate understanding with Viet Nam provides for dialogue between the two foreign ministries on bilateral, regional and international issues. Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam signed or exchanged the agreements during the General Assembly’s high-level week.
The Maldives also signed a mutual visa exemption agreement with Belarus. Under its terms, nationals of either country may stay for up to 30 days on a single entry, or make multiple visits totalling no more than 90 days in a calendar year. The Foreign Ministry has not announced when the exemption will take effect.
Angola was the only country with which the Maldives signed two agreements. In addition to political consultations, the Foreign Service Institute of Maldives and Angola’s Venâncio de Moura Diplomatic Academy agreed to cooperate on professional training and diplomatic skills. The agreements follow talks between the countries’ foreign ministers in Malé in June.
The Kenya agreement, signed earlier in the week, also provides for regular talks between the two foreign ministries. Taken together, the agreements formalise ways to continue engagement after the meetings in New York.
