Philippines, Paraguay ink visa-free deal for ordinary passport holders

MANILA, May 17 ------ The Philippines and Paraguay signed an agreement waiving visa requirements for holders of ordinary passports, in a move expected to boost travel, trade, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez Lezcano signed the Visa Waiver Agreement during Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios’ visit to Malacañang. “The Visa Waiver Agreement institutionalizes the mutual provision of visa-free privileges for ordinary passport holders, facilitating business, tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and Paraguay,” the Palace said during the signing ceremony.

Aside from the visa waiver deal, the two foreign ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding on diplomatic cooperation and training. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration on skills development, information exchange, and academic and institutional partnerships.

Manila and Asuncion have yet to announce the fine print of these diplomatic agreements, including exemptions to the visa-free policy. The agreements were signed as both countries seek to deepen bilateral relations and expand economic and trade opportunities beyond their respective regions.

The Philippines and Paraguay have maintained diplomatic relations for more than six decades, though neither country has established a resident embassy in Manila or Asunción. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier signaled plans to visit Paraguay “soon,” following the visit of President Peña to the Philippines.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com