Seychelles and Tajikistan Strengthen Relations with Visa Waiver Agreement

President Dr Patrick Herminie witnessed the signing of a Visa Waiver Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Seychelles and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, aimed at strengthening the friendly relations between the two countries while facilitating the movement of their citizens.

The Agreement was signed by Seychelles’ Minister for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Mr Sirojiddin Muhriddin, on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Under the Agreement, citizens of Seychelles and Tajikistan holding valid diplomatic, service, official or ordinary passports will be exempt from visa requirements when travelling to the territory of the other country for short stays. Each visit may be for up to 30 days, with the cumulative duration of stay not exceeding 90 days within a calendar year.

The Agreement provides a framework for easier movement between Seychelles and Tajikistan and is intended to support stronger people-to-people links, as well as promote trade and economic development between the two countries.

Following the signing, President Herminie and the two Ministers discussed opportunities to build on the agreement through increased cooperation in tourism, trade, education and connectivity.

Tourism was highlighted as an area with significant potential. Tajikistan expressed interest in learning from Seychelles’ experience in developing its tourism industry, while presenting opportunities for Seychellois visitors to discover the country’s mountainous landscapes, lakes, glaciers and growing ecotourism sector. The two sides also discussed the potential for greater tourist exchanges, taking advantage of the different seasons and tourism offerings of the two countries.

The discussions further explored opportunities to strengthen air connectivity and create better links between the two countries, which could support tourism, trade and wider economic exchanges.

Education was also identified as an area for further cooperation, with discussions on possible exchanges between universities and opportunities for students from the two countries to study and gain experience in each other’s institutions.

The Visa Waiver Agreement follows discussions initiated earlier this year during a bilateral meeting between Seychelles’ Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure, and his Tajik counterpart during Minister Faure’s overseas mission to Tajikistan in late April. The agreement now provides a formal framework for facilitating travel and creating opportunities for expanded cooperation between Seychelles and Tajikistan.

President Herminie and Minister Muhriddin also reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation and mutual support within the United Nations and other international organisations.

The signing of the Visa Waiver Agreement, together with the discussions on tourism, trade, education, health and connectivity, provides further avenues for Seychelles and Tajikistan to deepen their bilateral relations and develop practical exchanges that can benefit both countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.