Solomon Islands and China sign visa-free travel agreement

China and the Solomon Islands have signed an agreement to waive visa requirements for each other's citizens. Photo: Facebook / Chinese Embassy in Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands and China signed an agreement Thursday to exempt citizens of both nations from travel visa requirements.

The 'Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for Citizens holding Ordinary Passports' was signed by Chinese ambassador Cai Weiming and Solomon Islands' Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka, and witnessed by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, the Chinese Embassy in Solomon Islands said.

Cai said the signing of the visa waiver was another milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries.

He said it will contribute to the people-to-people contacts and further promote cooperation and friendship between Beijing and Honiara.

Manele said that the agreement would allow citizens to travel freely, fostering cultural exchange and enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations, according to a Tavuli News.

"In 2022, I had the pleasure of singing the agreement on mutual visa agreement for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports as the minister for foreign affairs and external trade then."

"The signing ceremony today (Thursday) is progress, allowing our ordinary citizens to travel free, learn each others cultures, promote greater understanding and respect."