Azerbaijan, Maldives discuss visa exemption for diplomatic, service passport holders

The issue of visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports between Azerbaijan and the Maldives has been discussed at a meeting of the Committee on Foreign and Interparliamentary Relations of the Azerbaijani parliament.

The relevant agreement was signed between the two governments on November 15, 2024, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

According to the protocol, the bill approving the "Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Maldives on Mutual Exemption from Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic, Service, and Official Passports" will be submitted for discussion at the plenary session of the Azerbaijani parliament.

Earlier, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the governments of Maldives and Azerbaijan. 

The MoU was signed between the governments of Maldives and Azerbaijan in a bid to increase cooperation between the foreign ministries of both countries. The MoU was signed during a ceremony held on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). 

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel signed the MoU on behalf of the Maldivian government, with Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov signing the MoU on behalf of the government of Azerbaijan.

According to the foreign ministry, the MoU carries the objective of enhancing and expanding bilateral relations and cooperation between the Maldives and Azerbaijan. It also aims to facilitate the holding of regular consultations between the two countries at all levels on issues of mutual interest.

Further, with the MoU signed between the two governments, cooperation between the two countries on the training of diplomats is also expected to strengthen.

By Naila Huseynova