The Philippines and Paraguay have signed a visa waiver agreement for holders of ordinary passports, marking a step towards closer diplomatic and economic engagement between the two countries.
The agreement was signed in Manila during the visit of Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios, whose trip underscored efforts by both governments to strengthen ties beyond their traditional regional relationships.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez Lezcano formalised the agreement during ceremonies held at Malacañang Palace.
“The Visa Waiver Agreement institutionalises 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 Philippine government said during the signing at a press conference, as reported by local media company ABS-CBN News.
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Relations beyond regional borders
The agreement comes as both Manila and Asunción seek to broaden their diplomatic and commercial networks.
While the two countries have maintained formal diplomatic relations for more than six decades, engagement between them has remained relatively limited.
The signing represents an attempt to create more regular channels of interaction between citizens, officials, and businesses.
Governments increasingly view visa-free arrangements as tools not only for tourism but also for encouraging trade contacts, academic cooperation, and institutional exchanges.
Neither government has yet to release the detailed provisions of the agreements, including any possible limitations or exemptions attached to the visa-free arrangement.
It remains unclear how long travellers from either country will be permitted to stay without visas or whether additional conditions may apply.
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