Maldives and Seychelles agree to start direct flights, sign visa waiver agreement

Maldives and Seychelles have signed an agreement on mutual exemption of visa requirements.

The agreement allows for exemption from visas for single or multiple entry, exit or transit for both countries' nationals, for a period of 30 days.

The agreement, along with three other key bilateral agreements, were signed following official talks between Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and visiting Seychellois President Wavel Ramkalawan on Monday.

In addition to the visa waiver agreement, Maldives and Seychelles also signed an air services agreement, an agreement on the development of the youth, and an agreement to cooperate on combatting transnational organized crime and maritime and security safety threats.

The signing ceremony was attended by Maldivian Vice President Faisal Naseem, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, and other top government officials.

After the signing ceremony, President Solih and President Ramkalan delivered a joint statement, during which they described the agreements as “a historic advancement” in the long-standing close relations between the two countries.