The Maldives has strengthened its bilateral relations with Belarus and Viet Nam through the signing of new agreements aimed at facilitating travel, expanding diplomatic dialogue and increasing cooperation between the countries.
The agreements were signed in New York on the sidelines of the high-level segment of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Maldives and Belarus signed a visa exemption agreement allowing nationals of both countries to travel without visas for short-term stays.
Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldives, while Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov signed for Belarus.
Under the agreement, citizens of both countries will be able to enter the other country without a visa for a single stay of up to 30 days. The arrangement also permits multiple entries, with stays totalling up to 90 days within a calendar year.
Following the signing, Foreign Minister Iruthisham thanked Belarus for its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation, saying the agreement would create additional opportunities for engagement and promote greater people-to-people contact.
During the same UN General Assembly meetings, the Maldives and Viet Nam also signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for regular consultations between their foreign ministries.
The MoU was exchanged by Minister Iruthisham and Viet Nam’s Foreign Minister Dr Le Hoai Trung following their bilateral meeting.
The consultation mechanism will provide a structured platform for the two countries to hold regular discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest, while supporting closer diplomatic engagement and cooperation.
Minister Iruthisham said formalising the consultation mechanism would contribute to strengthening ties between the Maldives and Viet Nam and create opportunities to explore new areas of partnership.
She also reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to working closely with Viet Nam to expand bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their people.
