Rwanda, Dominica ink visa-free deal
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe and Dominica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade, and Energy, Dr. Vince Henderson during the event in New York.

Rwanda and the Commonwealth of Dominica have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Visa requirements exemption, aimed at promoting easier travel and enhancing people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

ALSO READ: Rwanda, Bahamas sign visa waiver agreement

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Dominica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade, and Energy, Dr. Vince Henderson, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday, September 24, in New York.

According to the Ministry, the visa exemption is expected to strengthen bilateral relations, fostering opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchanges.

This comes a day after Rwanda and the Bahamas established visa-free travel between two countries, on September 23.

The Commonwealth of Dominica is an island nation located in the Caribbean, part of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. The country’s capital, Roseau, is situated on the western coast. Dominica spans 750 square kilometers, with its highest point being Morne Diablotins at 1,447 meters above sea level.

Known for its rugged terrain and lush, mountainous rainforests, the island is home to a rich variety of rare plants, animals, and bird species. Dominica is also famous for its geothermal activity, boasting the world’s second-largest hot spring, the Boiling Lake.

Often referred to as the "Nature Island of the Caribbean," Dominica is celebrated for its untouched natural environment. The critically endangered Sisserou parrot, found only in Dominica, is the country’s national bird and is featured on its national flag, making it one of the few countries whose flag includes the color purple.

With a population of approximately 71,000, Dominica gained independence from Britain in 1978.

Today, it is a member of several international organisations, including the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and United Nations, among others.