The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Seychelles, Barry Faure, departed the Maldives on Sunday after concluding an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two island nations.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Faure held discussions with Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam on expanding cooperation in areas including tourism, trade and investment, climate action, and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides also exchanged views on enhancing coordination at regional and multilateral forums as fellow Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

A key outcome of the visit was the implementation of the short-stay visa waiver agreement between the Maldives and Seychelles, which came into effect on 15 May 2026. The agreement allows nationals of both countries to travel visa-free for stays of up to 30 days.

The two Foreign Ministers also took part in a tree-planting ceremony at Lonuziyaaraiy Park as part of the Government’s Five Million Trees Plantation Programme.

The visit marked the first official visit to the Maldives by a Foreign Minister of Seychelles.