The Maldives and Seychelles Exchange Key Agreements

On Monday, as part of the state visit of the President of the Republic of Seychelles, H.E Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan to the Maldives, key agreements were exchanged between the Maldives and Seychelles. The agreements focused on pertinent areas and the agreement exchange ceremony was presided over by the presidents of both countries.

Agreements exchanged during the ceremony are:
1. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of the Republic of Seychelles on short-stay visa waiver: this agreement would ease existing travel restrictions for nationals of both countries, permitting visa-free travel for 30 days. It would also consolidate socio-economic ties between Maldives and Seychelles.

2. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of the Republic of Seychelles Concerning Air Services: the agreement would pave the way for international air travel and promote economic growth by ensuring safe and efficient operation of air services between both sides.

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: Strengthen cooperation between the two parties in search and rescue, combat piracy and other maritime security threats and enhance overall maritime safety and security efforts.

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: Sharing of knowledge, experience and resources between the Maldives and Seychelles to develop long-term cooperation in various aspects such as capacity building and youth exchange programmes.