Azerbaijan expands visa-free travel ties with Caribbean, West African states PHOTO

Azerbaijan has signed a series of visa exemption agreements with Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Benin on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held separate meetings with his counterparts from the three countries to discuss bilateral relations and opportunities for further cooperation.

During a meeting with Denzil Llewellyn Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry and Commerce, Consumer Affairs, Economic Development and Investment of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the sides discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral ties. They stressed the importance of intensifying political dialogue, encouraging mutual visits and strengthening institutional coordination within multilateral organisations, including the UN and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Following the meeting, the ministers signed two agreements providing for mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports, as well as for holders of ordinary passports.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said the agreements would facilitate official travel, expand diplomatic contacts and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Bayramov also met with Everly Paul Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda. The sides exchanged views on the current state and prospects of Azerbaijan–Antigua and Barbuda relations, highlighting the importance of intensifying political dialogue, encouraging mutual visits and expanding cooperation beyond multilateral platforms such as the UN and Non-Aligned Movement.

The ministers signed two visa exemption agreements covering diplomatic and official/service passports and ordinary passports. According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, the agreements are expected to contribute to strengthening bilateral ties, promoting tourism and facilitating official and people-to-people contacts.

In a separate meeting with Benin's Minister of Foreign Affairs Corinne Amori Brunet, Bayramov discussed establishing regular political consultations between the two foreign ministries and enhancing coordination within international organisations, particularly the UN, Non-Aligned Movement and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The Azerbaijani and Beninese sides also highlighted the potential for expanding economic and humanitarian cooperation and collaboration in key growth sectors.

Following the talks, the ministers signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports, establishing a legal framework to facilitate high-level exchanges and further develop bilateral diplomatic relations.

By Vugar Khalilov