UAE and Commonwealth of the Bahamas sign two MoUs on political consultations, visa exemptions.

The United Arab Emirates and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas signed on Sunday Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Political Consultations and Visa Exemptions.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and his counterpart the Honourable Frederick Mitchell, Bahamas's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration signed the two agreements here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation's headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

The memorandum of understanding on political consultations stressed the need to hold regular meetings between the both countries so as to discuss bilateral relations and issues of mutual concerns.

The two parties have also signed a reciprocal bilateral visa waiver memorandum of understanding exempting the citizens of both countries from entry visa requirements. According to the agreement, citizens of both countries who hold diplomatic, special, service and ordinary passports will be able to travel without a visa to enter the boarders of each other countries.

After the signing ceremony, the two sides held a meeting where they discussed issues of mutual concern and ways to boost cooperation and enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, both sides referred to the international civil aviation organisation meeting (ICAN206) scheduled to be held within few days in Bahamas, where both countries are expected to sign an agreement on aviation services. The two sides noted the agreement will mark a new achievement that will boost the diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.

Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas enjoy distinguished historical relations based on mutual understanding, respect and the willingness to further develop these relations in a way that reflects the aspirations of the leaders of both countries.

He stressed the need to further consolidate the relations between the two countries and build new bridges of cooperation between the two countries. Sheikh Abdullah hailed the efforts that resulted in signing these agreements that would serve as a driving vehicle to further support and develop the bilateral cooperation between the peoples of both countries.

The Foreign Minister and Immigration of the Bahamas praised the distinguished level of relations between the two countries. He expressed his country's keenness to further develop the bilateral relations in a way that serves the common interests of both countries.

He also commended the prominent position the UAE enjoys at the regional and international levels. "The UAE and the Bahamas enjoy distinguished bilateral relations in the political, economic, cultural, humanitarian, scientific and social fields", he added.

Tony Joudi was appointed as the first Non-Resident Ambassador of Bahamas to the United Arab Emirates. He presented his credentials on 23rd November, 2016.