Maldives (Commonwealth Union)_ A significant milestone in bilateral relations was achieved as the Maldives and the Seychelles exchanged several major agreements during a special ceremony held at the President’s Office. This exchange of agreements solidifies the growing partnership between the two countries and paves the way for enhanced cooperation in various domains. Accordingly, four crucial agreements were exchanged during the ceremony, each bearing its own significance.
The first agreement, MoU on Short-Stay Visa Waiver, signed by Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Seychellois Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde, focuses on the waiver of short-stay visas. This agreement allows nationals from both countries to travel visa-free for a period of 30 days, promoting socio-economic ties and facilitating easier movement between the two nations.
The second agreement, MoU on Air Services, again signed by Minister Abdulla Shahid and Minister Sylvestre Radegonde, pertains to air services between the two countries. By promoting international air travel and ensuring safe and efficient operations, this agreement aims to boost economic growth and strengthen connectivity between the Maldives and Seychelles.
The third agreement, MoU on Cooperation to Combat Transnational Organised Crime and other Maritime Security and Safety Threats, was also signed by Minister Abdulla Shahid and Minister Sylvestre Radegonde. This protocol further consolidates the joint efforts of both countries in areas such as search and rescue operations, anti-piracy measures, and maritime security. It underscores their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of their shared maritime domain.
The final and fourth agreement, a MoU on Youth Development Cooperation, was signed by Maldivian Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof and Minister Sylvestre Radegonde. This MoU facilitates the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and resources between the Maldives and Seychelles, fostering long-term collaboration in areas such as capacity building and youth exchange programs.
The agreement exchange ceremony was graced by the presence of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and President Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles. Senior officials from both governments, including Maldivian Vice President Faisal Naseem, also attended the ceremony, highlighting the importance and mutual commitment to the agreements. President Wavel Ramkalawan’s state visit to the Maldives, which culminated in the exchange of agreements, further strengthened the close ties between the two nations. The visit not only symbolizes their diplomatic relations, which were established on July 1, 1980, but also sets the stage for future collaboration and engagement in various fields.
The Seychellois President and First Lady, Linda Ramkalawan, were warmly welcomed upon their arrival in the Maldives. The government hosted a ceremony at the Republic Square to officially welcome the Seychelles’ First Couple. Subsequently, President Ramkalawan, accompanied by a cultural procession, proceeded to the President’s Office, where he signed the Visitors’ Book and engaged in official talks with President Solih. It was on this momentous occasion that the agreement exchange ceremony took place, symbolizing the shared commitment to progress and cooperation between the Maldives and Seychelles.
