Antigua and Barbuda and the Republic of Rwanda have scored a landmark diplomatic achievement with the signing of a visa waiver exemption agreement and two Memoranda of Understanding spanning the sectors of Health and Tourism.
The signing ceremony, which took place at the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations in New York on Thursday 17th July, underscores the deepening ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
The historic accords were executed by Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Walton Webson, and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to the United Nations H.E. Mr. Karoli Martin Ngoga.
The visa waiver agreement eliminates entry, transit, and visitor visa requirements for the nationals of the two countries on a reciprocal basis, allowing for people-to-people and cultural exchanges as well as the promotion and expansion of trade and business opportunities.
The exemption from visa procedures and related costs, excluding the right to work, is being seen by the two countries as a powerful expression of their commitment to advancing friendly relations, removing barriers to travel, and promoting inclusive, people-centered diplomacy.
“This agreement marks a profound step forward in forging Transatlantic alliances between two dynamic nations that share common goals in innovation, resilience, and global engagement. It opens new opportunities for tourism, trade, education, and cultural exchanges, enabling deeper connectivity between the peoples of Africa and the Caribbean,” Ambassador Webson remarked.
He also expressed the view that it establishes a model for South-South cooperation, which is rooted in mutual respect and shared development objectives.
During the signing ceremony, the two diplomats also committed their countries to two Memoranda of Understanding to expand cooperation in both the Health and Tourism sectors.
Both MOU’s cover a broad range of areas and introduce considerable opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity building and economic development that will benefit their respective nations.
In the area of health, Antigua and Barbuda can expect support in the areas of prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, HIV/AIDS Control programs, Epidemiological surveillance systems, experience sharing on health insurance systems, pharmaceutical cooperation and maternal and child health enhancement among others.
Ambassador Webson is also hoping that Antigua and Barbuda’s public health system, its nurses and other medical professionals can benefit from Rwanda’s successful health care delivery model.
The Tourism MOU further explores opportunity for shared development initiatives in the vital sector.
The two countries have affirmed that the multifaceted agreement not only represents a practical advancement in travel facilitation, but also a bold diplomatic signal of intent to collaborate on health innovation, tourism excellence, and sustainable development.