Nigeria, Ethiopia Sign Visa Waiver Agreement

Nigeria and her sister nation, Ethiopia, have agreed to give  a visa waiver that covers only diplomatic and official passport holders for both country

Naija News Understands that the agreement was contained a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the field of Defence as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of both countries, Geoffrey Onyeama and Gedu Andargachew, respectively.

President Muhammadu Buhari and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, both witnessed the signing during his state visit to Ethiopia.

While meeting with the Ethiopian prime minister, President Buhari also discussed how both countries will explore new areas of collaboration with the aim of enhancing and expanding the Nigeria-Ethiopia bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefits of the two countries. The visa waiver agreement is thus expected to help ease travels by both country’s bureaucrats and contribute to further strengthening of bilateral relations.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation is classified as very important to both countries as it covers the coordination of efforts in the unified fight against terrorism and securing peace and stability in their respective sub-regions and Africa as a continent. Other areas like Vocational training and education, technical assistance, exchange of visits, and defence technology transfer will also be shared amongst both nations.

The statement disclosed:

“Nigerian and Ethiopia have agreed to swiftly conclude negotiations on the revised Bilateral Air Services Agreement and the MoU on cultural cooperation.

“The consummation of these two agreements will provide veritable platforms for deepening existing air transport services, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries.”