In a meeting held at State House on Thursday, Mubarak Mohammad Alsehaijan, the Ambassador of Kuwait to Seychelles, paid a courtesy call on President Wavel Ramkalawan to discuss various areas of cooperation between the two countries. One of the key topics on the agenda was the possibility of implementing a visa waiver agreement and establishing an air link to facilitate increased travel between Kuwait and Seychelles.
The proposed visa waiver agreement aims to allow visa-free travel for citizens of both countries, promoting easier and more seamless movement between the two nations. Ambassador Alsehaijan expressed optimism that this agreement could be realized within the next two years, which would significantly enhance travel and tourism opportunities.
During the meeting, both sides acknowledged the importance of fostering stronger ties between Kuwait and Seychelles. The establishment of an air link was seen as a crucial step in realizing this goal, as it would facilitate the movement of travellers and promote economic growth in sectors such as trade and tourism.
Seychelles, an archipelago located in the western Indian Ocean, established diplomatic relations with Kuwait on July 11, 1988. Over the years, the cooperation between the two countries has primarily cantered around the Kuwait Fund, which has provided financial assistance to support Seychelles’ development projects. Projects related to fisheries, sewage, and infrastructure have received funding totalling $12 million, with an additional $1.5 million in grants.
In a separate meeting earlier this week, Ambassador Alsehaijan met with Seychelles’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sylvestre Radegonde. Discussions focused on the potential signing of a general cooperation agreement, which would establish a framework for collaboration in various mutually beneficial areas. The ambassador highlighted the potential for Kuwaiti investors to contribute to Seychelles’ trade and tourism sectors, suggesting the organization of a visit by representatives from the private sector in both countries, facilitated by the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce.
The field of tourism, a key contributor to the Seychelles economy, was also a topic of discussion during the meetings. Both sides recognized the importance of strengthening cooperation in this sector to further enhance the tourism offerings and attract visitors from Kuwait to Seychelles and vice versa.
As the discussions progress, the governments of Kuwait and Seychelles are hopeful that the proposed visa waiver agreement and air link will pave the way for increased bilateral cooperation and foster closer ties between the two nations.
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