A Memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between Fiji and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), allowing for mutual exemption of entry visa requirements.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and UAE’s Minister of State to the UAE Cabinet, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, signed off on this landmark agreement as the COP28 meeting is in progress in Dubai.
A statement on the Fiji Government Facebook page stated the MOU would grant mutual exemptions for entry visa requirements for passport holders of both countries, spanning diplomatic, special, ordinary, and service passports.
“Valid for six months, passport holders from either nation can now enjoy visa-free entry into the territory of the other party for a maximum of 90 days,” it read.
“The mutual exemption of entry visa requirements is expected to stimulate tourism, trade and cultural exchanges between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Fiji.
“As both nations look forward to a future of enhanced co-operation and understanding, this landmark agreement stands as a testament to their commitment to fostering enduring and mutually beneficial relationships.”
PM Rabuka and Mr Al Sayegh also signed a MOU on political consultations with the primary objective of establishing a robust mechanism for regular political consultations and the exchange of views between the two nations on regional and international matters of shared interests.
“This MOU marks a pivotal moment in our diplomatic relations with the UAE. It underscores our joint commitment to fostering deeper understanding, co-operation, and collaboration on political matters that impact our respective nations and the wider international community,” Mr Rabuka said in a statement.
The MOU outlines a framework for the two nations to host regular consultations and meetings, both independently and within the margins of international conferences.
