The Maldives and Seychelles have exchanged four key agreements marking a significant step forward in bilateral relations between the two countries. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the visiting President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan presided over the agreement exchange ceremony.
The agreements exchanged include the Agreement on Short-Stay Visa Waiver. The agreement was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Seychelles Sylvestre Radegonde. The agreement will ease existing travel restrictions for nationals of both countries, who would be permitted to travel visa-free for 30 days. The ministers also signed the agreement on air services which facilitates international air travel, promotes economic growth, and ensures the safe and efficient operation of air services between the Maldives and Seychelles.
Additionally, Minister Shahid and Minister Radegonde signed the Protocol on the Cooperation to Combat Transnational Organised Crime and Other Maritime Security and Safety Threats. The objective of the 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 will further strengthen efforts to ensure maritime safety and security.
Furthermore, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof and Minister Radegonde signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Youth Development Cooperation. The 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.