New York, September 27: The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago have signed a landmark mutual visa waiver agreement, further strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.
The signing took place on Saturday during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The agreement was signed by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Sean Sobers, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Caribbean Affairs for Trinidad and Tobago.
Under this arrangement, UAE citizens holding diplomatic, special, ordinary, and “mission” passports will be exempt from entry visa requirements to Trinidad and Tobago. In return, Trinidad and Tobago citizens holding diplomatic and official passports will be able to enter the UAE without visas.
Sheikh Abdullah also met with Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, in the presence of Minister Sobers. The leaders exchanged views on expanding bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade, investment, economy, and culture. They also reviewed key topics featured on the agenda of the United Nations General Assembly.
During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to building advanced and mutually beneficial relations with Trinidad and Tobago, highlighting the importance of such agreements in fostering global partnerships.
“The UAE aspires to consolidate growing bilateral ties with the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,” he said, emphasizing the potential for increased collaboration in economic and diplomatic fields.
For Trinidad and Tobago, the agreement represents a step forward in deepening connections with the Middle East. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar noted that the waiver will not only ease travel between the two nations but also open new pathways for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
The UAE has been actively expanding its network of visa waiver agreements globally, reflecting its strategy of enhancing mobility for its citizens and fostering stronger international relationships. Similarly, Trinidad and Tobago sees the agreement as a gateway to greater engagement with the Gulf region, particularly in areas of commerce and investment.
Observers believe the agreement could encourage more direct business ties between Emirati companies and Caribbean markets, offering opportunities in sectors such as energy, tourism, and logistics. The meeting also underscored shared commitments to multilateral cooperation within the United Nations framework.
The signing of the visa waiver agreement is expected to further streamline diplomatic exchanges, business delegations, and cultural interactions, ultimately creating stronger people-to-people connections between the UAE and Trinidad and Tobago.
By combining diplomatic outreach with practical facilitation of travel, both nations are setting the stage for a deeper and more comprehensive partnership in the years ahead.